By Gambo Abubakar Kaduna
The Kaduna State Governor, Malam Uba Sani, has flagged off the distribution of 400 trucks of free fertiliser to 100,000 smallholder farmers across the state, as part of efforts to boost food security and transform the agricultural sector.
While Commissioning the distribition of fertilizer, at the Murtala Square in Kaduna, also unveiled a crop risk insurance scheme for the beneficiaries, aimed at cushioning the impact of pests, diseases, and climate-induced disasters.
Governor Sani however explained that, each of the 100,000 farmers will receive two bags of fertiliser free of charge, adding that Kaduna remains the only state where smallholder farmers consistently enjoy agricultural inputs at no cost.
“Our farmer-first policy is not just a slogan—it is a commitment to inclusive development, food security, and rural prosperity,” he declared.
He noted that the crop risk insurance scheme will protect farmers against uncertainties, especially those driven by climate change, and ensure they do not lose their livelihoods in the face of adverse conditions.
The Governor also announced a subsidized fertiliser scheme for commercial farmers, under which each will be entitled to 10 bags at a 40 per cent discount, bringing the price per bag to ₦30,000. He said the intervention is designed to reduce production costs, encourage job creation, and stabilise market prices.
The Governor however attributed the success of his agricultural programmes to improved security across the state, which he said has made previously inaccessible farmlands available again for cultivation.
He recalled that in 2023, his administration executed the largest-ever fertilizer distribution in the state’s history, distributing over 500 trucks, alongside support for dry season farming, ginger recovery, and mechanization using 200 tractors.
Also described the new fertiliser rollout and insurance scheme as part of his campaign promise to elevate agriculture from subsistence to commercial scale,: “We pledged to make agriculture a driver of growth, jobs and dignity. Today, we are keeping that promise.”
Governor Sani further revealed that funding for agriculture in the state has grown significantly—from ₦1.48 billion in 2023 to ₦74.02 billion in 2025—representing a 4,871 per cent increase. He added that agriculture now accounts for 10 per cent of the state’s budget, up from just 0.4 per cent two years ago.
He also urged the beneficiaries to use the inputs responsibly and commended stakeholders for ensuring transparency throughout the process, and assuring his government will continue to prioritise agriculture as a pathway to prosperity.
Earlier in his addressed the Kaduna state Commissioner of agriculture Honourable Murtala Dabo, assured the people’s of smooth follows distribution of fertilizer to the beneficiaries, through the committee constituted by governor Uba Sani.
The committees; Council for Ulamas, NLC, Women groups, EFCC, ICPC and Fermers associations for transparency and accountability in the distribution.
He also urged the beneficiaries to use the free fertilizer given by the state government for effectiveness and food security in the state and the nations atlerge.
