In a renewed effort to strengthen food security and agricultural productivity in Kano State, North West Nigeria, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has flagged off the distribution of 132 trucks of subsidised fertiliser to farmers across the state’s 44 local government areas.
The distribution ceremony, held in Madobi Local Government Area, marked the launch of a joint initiative between the state government and the 44 local councils, aimed at reducing fertiliser costs by up to 50 percent for farmers.
The over 79,000 fertilisers bags were produced and packaged by local manufacturer Al-Yuma Fertilizer and Chemicals.
Speaking at the event, Governor Yusuf said, each Local Government Area would receive three trucks containing 1,800 bags each, intended for distribution to various farmer groups.
He emphasised that the initiative is part of his administration’s broader mission to ensure food sufficiency and restore the pride of farming in Kano state.
“We are here to reaffirm our commitment that under this administration, agriculture will once again become a cornerstone of our state’s economy,” he said.
Governor Yusuf highlighted that, the program was designed to reduce cultivation costs, increase yields, and enhance the livelihoods of rural communities.
He added that, in the past two years, the state has invested significantly in agricultural infrastructure, including expanded access to farmland and rehabilitation of irrigation facilities.
He stressed that the fertiliser distribution must be carried out transparently, warning against diversion or favoritism.
“We will not tolerate any form of exploitation in this process,” the governor warned.
“I have directed all local government chairmen to immediately establish high-powered fertiliser distribution committees. Their task is simple: identify, verify, and support only genuine farmers.”
Also, Kano State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Danjuma Mahmud, speaking in the local dialect, noted that previous fertiliser distribution programs had positively impacted agricultural output and expressed optimism that this year’s effort would further strengthen the state’s food chain.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Tajudeen Uthman, said the initiative reflects the governor’s agricultural transformation agenda, which is reshaping the value chain for grassroots farmers.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, represented by the District Head of Madobi, Alhaji Sale Musa Kwankwaso, commended the governor for making fertilisers affordable for farmers, saying it will significantly boost food production in the state.
Chairman of the Farmers Union, Alhaji Musa Tsara, also lauded the government’s intervention, describing it as timely and essential to improving agricultural productivity and ensuring food availability across Kano.