Governor Uba Sani has launched a comprehensive agricultural support programme targeting 100,000 farmers across Kaduna State. As part of the initiative, he inaugurated a multi-stakeholder committee to ensure transparent distribution of over 300 truckloads of fertilizer and to oversee other key components of the program.
A statement signed by Commissioner of Agriculture, Alhaji Murtala Dabo, disclosed that the fertiliser distribution and monitoring will be coordinated by both state and local government committees ‘’to ensure credibility, transparency, and local ownership.’’
The statement further explained that membership of the committees will be ‘’drawn from public and private sector representatives, civil society organizations, traditional and religious leaders, labour unions, security agencies, and anti-corruption bodies.’’
The Commissioner further said that this ‘’holistic approach reflects Kaduna State’s unwavering commitment to inclusive agricultural transformation, rural development, and sustainable food systems.’’
According to him, the ‘’initiative is part of the government’s effort to enhance food security, improve rural livelihoods, and boost agricultural productivity across communities.’’
The statement further disclosed that each beneficiary will receive two bags of free fertilizer under the smallholder farmer category, adding that ‘’in a second category, commercial farmers will benefit from a targeted input subsidy program.’’
Alhaji Murtala explained that fertilizer will be made available to commercial farmers at a 40% subsidized rate.
‘’This intervention is designed to encourage agribusiness expansion, support job creation efforts in the agricultural value chain, and strengthen price competitiveness in the commodity market through reduced input costs,’’ he said.
The Commissioner revealed that the Kaduna State Government will also register 100,000 smallholder farmers under a crop risk insurance scheme, complementing the fertilizer and input support already provided.
He explained that the insurance coverage will shield farmers from significant losses caused by pest attacks, crop diseases, and extreme weather events that have become more frequent due to climate change.
According to Alhaji Murtala, the initiative is a key component of the government’s broader strategy to build a more resilient, secure, and climate-smart agricultural sector.
