Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has launched the distribution of 15,00o metric tonnes of fertiliser to be given to 120,000 smallholder farmers in the state.
The distribution, which took place on Monday in Kaduna, was part of the state government’s efforts to ensure food security and boost agricultural yields.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Sani announced that the 240,000 bags of fertiliser would be provided to the farmers free of charge.
He emphasised that the initiative marked a significant milestone in the state’s journey toward revitalising agriculture and ensuring food security.
The governor highlighted that the beneficiaries were carefully selected by an inclusive, non-partisan committee.
This committee comprised representatives from the State chapter of the All Farmers’ Association, the Council of Chiefs, the Elders’ Forum, NLC, NGOs, religious bodies, security agencies, and the state government.
“This initiative clearly demonstrates the state government’s steadfast commitment to empowering farmers and reviving the agricultural sector,” Sani stated.
He said that agriculture played a crucial role in the state’s economy, contributing 42.81% to its GDP.
Mr Sani also said that the sector was employing 42 per cent of the workforce, alluding to the state’s leadership in various agricultural sectors.
He said, “Our state ranks first in ginger production, contributing 76.4 per cent to the national output.
”We also lead in maize production, contributing 7.4 per cent to the national yield, and rank second in soybean production with a 9.4 per cent contribution.
”Additionally, we are proud of our significant contributions to tomato, sorghum, and rice production.”
Mr Sani said in the 2024 budget, the state allocated ₦22.54 billion to the agricultural sector, marking a significant increase from previous years.
He emphasised that his administration was committed to enhancing rural infrastructure, particularly the construction of roads across the state’s 23 local government areas.
This, he said, would improve access to markets, reduce post-harvest losses, and strengthen food security and economic empowerment.
The governor urged the farmers to use the fertiliser responsibly and efficiently, expressing optimism that these measures would maximise harvests and further secure the state’s food supply.
Earlier, Muhammad Dabo, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, praised the state government’s dedication to the farmers, saying that agriculture was central to the state’s development agenda.
He urged the farmers to make the best use of the commodity to enhance their livelihoods and contribute to the continued growth of the agricultural sector.
Dr Abdulkadir Meyere, Chairman of the Fertiliser Distribution Committee, alongside the Secretary to the State Government, reiterated that the support was aimed at smallholder farmers, who were vital to the state’s agricultural backbone.
He called on the committee’s members to ensure a fair and transparent distribution process.
In her goodwill message, Agnes Auta, a representative of female farmers, thanked Sani for the unprecedented gesture and urged her fellow farmers to utilise the commodity effectively to increase their yields.
Zamani Lekwot, representing the elders, and Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, who offered prayers for the governor, also commended the initiative as a significant step towards bolstering food security.
NAN
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