The Kaduna State Government is set to distribute free fertilisers to 100,000 smallholder farmers across all 23 local government areas, according to the Commissioner for Agriculture, Murtala Dabo.
Dabo made this known during a press briefing held after a meeting of the fertiliser distribution committee, ahead of the launch of the state’s intervention programme scheduled for Saturday.
He stated that the initiative reflects Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to enhancing food security and supporting vulnerable farmers amid escalating agricultural input costs.
“This is currently the only state in Nigeria providing fertiliser at no cost to smallholder farmers,” Dabo said.
“Our goal is to boost food production, safeguard livelihoods, and promote fair access to agricultural inputs.”
He revealed that an initial consignment of 300 trucks of fertiliser is ready for distribution, with plans to eventually reach 400,000 smallholder farmers in stages.
To ensure transparency and equity, Dabo noted that the distribution process will be overseen by a diverse committee made up of religious leaders, security agencies, civil society organisations, labour unions, and local government representatives.
While smallholder farmers will receive the fertiliser free of charge, commercial farmers will be able to purchase it at a subsidised rate, paying only 40 percent of the market price.
Commercial farmers in Kaduna State will be able to purchase a bag of fertiliser for N30,000, with the state government covering 60% of the total cost to help lower production expenses and boost agricultural output, according to the Commissioner for Agriculture, Murtala Dabo.
Dabo also revealed that the state has allocated over N100 billion to the agricultural sector this year, representing approximately 14% of the entire state budget,exceeding the 10% benchmark set by the Maputo Declaration.
He further highlighted the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), recently inaugurated by Vice President Kashim Shettima, as another strategic initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, processing capacity, and market access for farmers across Kaduna.
Dabo noted that improved security in previously troubled areas like Birnin Gwari and Giwa has led to the revival of abandoned farmland.
In addition, the state is currently clearing 20,000 more hectares and making preparations to introduce rainwater harvesting systems and irrigation facilities to expand farming activities.
He also announced that farmers benefiting from the free fertiliser programme would be enrolled in a government-supported agricultural insurance scheme designed to protect them from risks such as extreme weather and crop diseases.
“This initiative will cover up to 100,000 smallholder farmers,” Dabo said. “Given the losses farmers suffered during the recent ginger blight outbreak, we are putting safeguards in place to prevent similar setbacks.”
He emphasized that Kaduna’s agricultural development strategy is built on principles of fairness, long-term sustainability, and resilience, with the ultimate goal of positioning the state as a major agricultural hub in the region.
