From: Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has commenced the distribution of 400 trucks of fertilizer to 100,000 smallholder farmers as part of its 2025 agricultural support programme.
Governor Senator Uba Sani officially launched the initiative at Murtala Square, Kaduna, reiterating his administration’s commitment to food security, rural development, and revitalizing agriculture.
Under the programme, each of the 100,000 selected farmers will receive two bags of fertilizer free of charge.
Additionally, commercial farmers will receive 10 bags per farmer at a subsidized rate of N30,000 per bag, which is approximately 40% below the current market value.
To further support smallholder farmers, all participating farmers will be enrolled in a crop insurance scheme to guard against losses from pests, diseases, and climate-related risks.
The governor highlighted the administration’s increased focus on agriculture, noting a substantial rise in the sector’s allocation from N1.48 billion in 2023 to N74.02 billion in 2025, representing a 4,871% increase.
This reflects an increase in agriculture’s share of the state budget from 0.4% in 2023 to 10% in 2025, with projections to exceed 14% in line with the Malabo Declaration.
The state government has implemented several agricultural initiatives, including the 2024 Dry Season Agricultural Empowerment Programme, which provided improved seeds, solar water pumps, agrochemicals, and power tillers to farmers. The state has also advanced mechanization efforts by deploying over 200 tractors via public-private partnerships.
Furthermore, a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) will be launched in collaboration with the African Development Bank and the Federal Government.
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