The Gombe State Government has commenced the distribution of 2,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser to farmers as part of efforts to increase agricultural output and strengthen food security across the state.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya announced the initiative on Tuesday during the official flag-off of fertiliser distribution for the 2026 farming season.
He disclosed that the fertiliser would be made available to farmers at a subsidised rate, with the government covering half of the cost to ease the burden of production expenses and encourage higher yields.
According to the governor, the state procured 240,000 bags of NPK and Urea fertilisers at a cost of N64,000 per 50-kilogramme bag and will make them available to beneficiaries at a 50 per cent subsidised price.
Beyond fertiliser support, the state government is also set to distribute a range of agricultural equipment free of charge. These include 833 water pumps, 450 motorised weeders, 544 motorised sprayers and 550 rice transplanters.
Additional equipment earmarked for distribution includes 350 groundnut shellers, 50 rice and maize planters/harvesters, 50 rice milling machines, 45 tractors and 20 oil filtering and pressing machines.
Yahaya explained that the intervention is intended to lessen the impact of increasing agricultural input costs while promoting greater productivity among farmers.
He noted that the programme was introduced in response to the economic difficulties confronting farmers, particularly the rising costs of fertilisers, seeds and agrochemicals, as well as fluctuating market prices for agricultural produce.
“Our farmers are confronted with mounting challenges that threaten their survival.
“This subsidy is our direct response to the harsh economic realities facing our farming communities. It is our way of saying that we will not abandon those who feed the nation,” he said.
The governor further stated that his administration has committed substantial financial resources to fertiliser subsidies and agricultural input support programmes, given that agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood for about 80 per cent of the state’s population.
To ensure accountability in the exercise, he said a dedicated committee has been established to oversee the distribution process and prevent diversion of the commodities.
Yahaya also encouraged farmers to adopt improved farming techniques, including dry-season cultivation and the use of weather forecasts and advisories, to enhance productivity and adapt to climate-related challenges.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, Ahmed Guli, applauded the government’s intervention and expressed confidence that the distribution exercise would be implemented efficiently.
He urged all stakeholders to support the ministry in ensuring the successful execution of the programme and called on farmers to make effective use of the inputs to increase agricultural production and improve yields.
