Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya has said that his administration is working diligently to make high-quality fertiliser and other farm inputs available at reduced prices in order to alleviate the financial burden on the farmers.
Yahaya made the statement during luncheon and flagged off sales of fertilizer for the 2023 farming season at Lawanti Farm Centre in Akko, Gombe State. He noted that in the 2022 farming season, the government distributed 125 trucks of NPK fertiliser at a subsidised rate to the farmers.
According to the governor, the state government distributed 160 trucks this year equivalent to 5,000 metric tonnes at the cost of N2.8 billion to farmers.
Governor Yahaya explained that having considered the high cost of fertiliser in the market and the need to support farmers, the state government has decided to fix the price of the fertiliser at N19,000 for a bag of NPK representing 25 per cent subsidy as against the market price of over N26,000 per bag.
He commended and appreciated the roles played by the local farmers and their contribution towards the growth and resilience of the agricultural sector in ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural development in Gombe State and Nigeria at large.
“I want to assure you of our continuous support and interventions. And I equally understand that the high cost of fertiliser and other farm implements can be a significant barrier to our farmers hence the need for government intervention,” he said.
The governor further disclosed that aside from the distribution of subsidised fertiliser; the state government is also embarking on agricultural extension services and awareness campaigns on modern farming techniques, soil management and sustainable agriculture.
He added that the knowledge will make farmers the necessary tools and information to make informed decisions and embrace practices that benefit both their farms and the environment.
