Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has flagged off the distribution of 400 trucks of fertilizer to support 100,000 smallholder farmers across the state.
The initiative, which took place over the weekend in Kaduna, is part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to boost agricultural productivity and support rural livelihoods.
During the official ceremony, Governor Sani announced that each beneficiary would receive two bags of fertilizer completely free of charge. He emphasized that Kaduna remains the only state in the country that consistently provides agricultural inputs, including fertilizer, to smallholder farmers at no cost.
“Kaduna State remains the only state where smallholder farmers consistently receive fertilizer and other critical inputs free of charge. We are proud to uphold this farmer-first approach, especially for our most vulnerable and underserved rural communities,” the governor stated.
In addition to the support for small-scale farmers, the state government is also extending a subsidised fertilizer scheme to commercial farmers. According to the governor, each commercial farmer will be eligible to purchase up to 10 bags of fertilizer at a discounted rate—paying just 60% of the market price, which amounts to ₦30,000 per bag.
“This subsidy is designed to reduce production costs, stimulate job creation, and ensure price stability for agricultural commodities in the open market,” Governor Sani added.
As part of broader measures to strengthen resilience and mitigate risks associated with farming, Governor Sani further revealed that all 100,000 smallholder farmers benefiting from the fertilizer intervention will also be enrolled in a comprehensive crop risk insurance programme.
He explained that the scheme is aimed at shielding farmers from unexpected losses caused by pests, plant diseases, or extreme weather conditions—risks that are increasingly prevalent due to climate change.
“This insurance initiative is a proactive step to protect our farmers from climate-induced uncertainties and promote sustainable agricultural practices,” the governor affirmed.
Governor Sani reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing food security, supporting rural economies, and ensuring that Kaduna remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation and inclusiveness in Nigeria.