Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has launched the sale and distribution of subsidised fertiliser for the 2026 wet farming season, offering farmers a 50 per cent discount to boost food production.
Governor Yahaya flagged off the programme in Gombe, describing agriculture as the backbone of the state’s economy and a major source of livelihood for about 80 per cent of residents.
He said rising costs of fertiliser, seeds, herbicides and pesticides have placed a heavy burden on farmers, while low produce prices continue to reduce profits and discourage agricultural activities.
The governor warned that declining investment in farming could lead to lower food production and food shortages, stressing that his administration remains committed to supporting farmers and strengthening food security.
According to him, the state has invested billions of naira in subsidised fertilisers and other farm inputs since 2019. Water pumps, liquid fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides have also been distributed free to farmers.
Governor Yahaya highlighted partnerships with the Federal Government and development agencies through projects such as RAAMP, ACReSAL and L-PRES, which he said are driving agricultural transformation across the state.
He disclosed that work is ongoing on a 184-hectare Special Agro-Livestock Development Zone that will house an ultra-modern abattoir, tannery, livestock market, international grains market, veterinary hospital and inland dry port.
For the 2026 farming season, the state procured 12,000 metric tonnes of NPK fertiliser, equivalent to 240,000 bags, at a cost of N64,000 per bag. The governor directed that the fertiliser be sold to farmers at N32,000 per bag, representing a 50 per cent subsidy.
He also announced the free distribution of hundreds of water pumps, motorised weeders, sprayers, rice transplanters, peanut shellers, planters, harvesters, rice milling machines and walking tractors to support agricultural production.
Governor Yahaya urged farmers to adopt modern farming methods, embrace dry-season farming and make use of weather forecasts to improve productivity and reduce risks from drought, flooding and pests.
He also called for peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, warning that the government would not tolerate actions capable of disrupting peace and stability in the state.
To ensure transparency, the governor announced the creation of a Special Fertiliser Distribution Committee and directed security agencies to prevent diversion, fraud and illegal sales.
The State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Absolom Akwaras, commended the initiative, describing it as a major boost for farmers and food production.
The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Gombe State, Modibbo Sadiq Nafada, praised the governor for his continued support for agriculture and efforts to address farmer-herder conflicts.
Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Ahmed Saeed Guli, said the programme reflects the government’s commitment to agricultural growth, rural development and livestock transformation.
