From Raji Bello, Sokoto
Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal on Wednesday flagged off the sale and distribution of fertilizer to farmers at a subsidized rate of N4000, per bag to boost farming activities in the state.
Tambuwal said the aim was to boost agricultural production, reduce poverty and create jobs in the state.
The governor announced that one bag of 50kg of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium (NPK) which was procured from Federal Government at the rate of N4500 would be sold for N4000 while Urea which is sold for N9800 in the market would go for N5000 per bag.
According to the governor the transport cost of all brands of fertilizer would be borne by the state government to make the products affordable to farmers.
“Our state have comparative advantage in the production of some crops because of our weather and government is poised to offer maximum support to harness these potentials to fast track economic and social development of our people, he said.
He further disclosed that state government has put some strategy in place in collaboration with security agencies for those in Eastern part of the state to go to their unhindered.
He enjoined retired civil servants, businessmen and youths in the state to return to farm because it has a defined market for better price.
He thanked the farmers for their cooperation with government in implementing agricultural policies in the state.
Earlier the commissioner of Agriculture and natural resources in the state Hon Arzika Tureta thanked the governor for his immeasurable support to the ministry.
Arzika added that aside the provision of fertilizer in subsidized rate the government has also provided other inputs such as improved seed ,pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals for farmers.
He implored farmers to reciprocate the magnimity gesture of the state government.
Arzika further explained that ministry of agriculture and natural resources has evolved concrete strategy to check sharp practices by middle men and fertilizer racketeers.
He assured that fertilizer would be supplied to farmers directly at the rural areas at the designed sale points.
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