The Kano State Government has launched the distribution of 90,000 bags of subsidised fertiliser to farmers across the state’s 44 local government areas to boost agricultural production and strengthen food security during the current farming season.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who flagged off the exercise, said the fertiliser, transported in 150 trucks, would be distributed across the state’s 484 wards to ensure genuine farmers benefit from the intervention.
He said the initiative formed part of his administration’s commitment to revitalising agriculture, describing the sector as a major driver of economic growth, employment and food production.
According to Governor Yusuf, the government had consistently invested in the provision of quality farm inputs over the past three years, contributing to improved crop yields, lower food prices and increased opportunities for rural farmers.
“Agriculture remains one of the most important sectors of our economy, and we have continued to support farmers with quality farm inputs to improve productivity, create jobs and enhance food security,” the Kano Governor stressed.
He disclosed that each of the 44 local government areas would receive an average of three truckloads of fertiliser, while beneficiaries would be selected from all 484 wards across the state.
Governor Yusuf explained that although each bag of fertiliser sells for about ₦50,000 in the open market, the state government, in partnership with the 44 local government councils, subsidised the cost to ₦25,000 to make it affordable for farmers.
“This intervention is a joint effort between the Kano State Government and the 44 local government councils to ensure that farmers have access to affordable fertiliser during the planting season,”he explained.
To ensure transparency and accountability, the Governor announced the establishment of state and local government fertiliser distribution committees comprising officials from relevant ministries, security agencies, anti-corruption bodies, civil society organisations and farmers’ associations.
At the local government level, he said chairmen would head the committees alongside district heads, agricultural officers, security representatives, legislators and other stakeholders to oversee equitable distribution.
The Governor urged members of the committees to carry out their responsibilities with honesty, fairness and accountability to ensure the fertiliser reaches the intended beneficiaries.
“I urge every committee member to discharge this responsibility with sincerity, integrity and the fear of Allah so that the fertiliser reaches genuine farmers,” the Governor urged.
Governor Yusuf also commended security agencies operating in the state for their continued support in maintaining peace and tackling insecurity.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with security institutions to address banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
The Governor called on political leaders and community stakeholders to place the interests of Kano above personal or partisan considerations by supporting efforts aimed at improving security and development across the state.
“Kano belongs to all of us, and we must continue to work together to defeat insecurity, reduce poverty and protect the lives and livelihoods of our people,” he appealed.
