Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting agriculture by launching the distribution of free fertilizer to farmers across the state.
The ceremony, held in Wamakko Local Government Area, is part of efforts by the state government to increase food production and enhance the livelihoods of rural farmers.
Governor Aliyu explained that the initiative aims to assist farmers with essential inputs for both subsistence and commercial farming.
He issued a warning against the diversion of fertilizers, assuring that offenders would face strict legal consequences.
“The fertilizer is intended solely for farmers to aid their productivity, particularly during this dry season. Anyone caught diverting it will be dealt with according to the law,” he stated.
The governor recalled a similar exercise during the wet season, where fertilizers and other agricultural inputs were distributed free of charge in Dange Shuni Local Government Area.
That program, he noted, included the provision of 45,366 bags of NPK fertilizer, 24,264 bags of Urea, 20,664 liters of agrochemicals, and 20,000 kilograms each of rice, sorghum, and millet seeds to farmers across the state.
Additionally, the state empowered youth and women’s groups with essential farming tools, including 1,000 water pumps, 23 multipurpose threshers, 3,000 tomato grinding machines, and 58 rice threshing machines, all provided at no cost.
In his latest announcement, Governor Aliyu revealed that each of Sokoto’s 23 local government areas would receive three trucks of assorted fertilizer to support dry season farming.
This, he said, is part of the aim to boost agricultural productivity, create job opportunities, and uplift the grassroots economy.
“As part of our commitment to irrigation farming, the Kware Irrigation Scheme, covering 450 hectares, has been completed and will soon be allocated to farmers,” Governor Aliyu stated.
He also highlighted ongoing projects, including the rehabilitation of the Wurno Irrigation Scheme and the Lugu Dam, with work on the latter set to begin soon.
Governor Aliyu encouraged civil servants, retirees, politicians, and entrepreneurs to seize the opportunities provided by the government’s agricultural initiatives.
He expressed gratitude to the people of Sokoto for their support and prayers, pledging to continue policies that promote agricultural development and food security.