Following Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s recent launch of the fertiliser distribution program under heavy rainfall, the Niger State government began the actual sale of fertilisers to farmers on Wednesday.
This move aims to support agricultural productivity in the state by providing farm inputs at subsidised rates through designated centres.
In a statement released in Minna, Dr. Matthew Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, announced that each 50kg bag of fertiliser will be sold for NGN 21,500, regardless of the variety. To ensure widespread benefit, each farmer is limited to purchasing a maximum of two bags.
According to him, the initiative is expected to reach 4,500 beneficiaries from each zone in the state.
“A farmer can only purchase a maximum of two bags to allow a targeted 4,500 beneficiaries from each zone in the state to benefit from the exercise,” Dr. Ahmed stated. “The fertiliser will be sold at NGN 21,500 per bag irrespective of the types.”
Dr. Ahmed also stressed that each farmer is required to present a means of identification, such as a voter’s card or National Identification Number (NIN), when making purchases. He urged farmers to utilise the subsidised agro-inputs effectively on their farms.
“Any farmer caught selling the agro-input will be sanctioned and will not benefit from subsequent interventions,” Dr. Ahmed warned. He added that Extension Agents (EAs) will oversee the distribution and use of the inputs across the senatorial zones to ensure compliance and proper utilisation.
Currently, the open market prices for a 50kg bag of the NPK brand and the Urea brand are NGN 43,000 and NGN 40,000 respectively.
Governor Bago, alongside the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jemila Ibrahim, and the Emir of Minna, Dr. Umar Farouq Bahago, officiated the launch event last Wednesday.
Governor Bago expressed the state’s commitment to self-sufficiency in food production despite the heavy rains. He further announced plans to export surplus agricultural products to boost farmers’ income.
The governor also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who assisted the state with additional tonnes of fertiliser to ensure the success of this initiative.
