Kaduna state Governor, Senator Uba Sani, on Monday, flagged-off distribution of 500 trucks of fertilizer (15,000 metric tonnes) to small holder farmers across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.
The governor, while launching the program at Murtala Square, Kaduna, announced that 240,000 bags of fertilizer would be distributed free of charge to 120,000 small holder farmers, with each farmer receiving two bags.
He emphasised that the initiative is part of the state government’s commitment to revitalising the agricultural sector, which plays a crucial role in the state’s economy.
According to him, agriculture contributes 42.81% to the state’s Gross Domestic Product and employs 42% of the workforce. Sani stated further that Kaduna state ranks first in ginger production and contributes significantly to the production of maize, soybeans, tomatoes, sorghum, rice paddy, and cowpeas.
He also announced that the state government allocated N22.54 billion to the agricultural sector in the 2024 budget, marking a significant increase from previous years.
Governor Sani listed the state government’s achievements in enhancing food security, promoting rural livelihoods, and driving economic growth.
These achievements include the Tallafin Noma initiative, solar-powered irrigation pumps, and the Africa Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC) project.
He urged farmers to use the fertilizers responsibly and efficiently, expressing optimism that these measures would maximize harvests and strengthen food security in both the state and the nation.
“I am extremely delighted to be here to flag-off the distribution of 500 trucks of fertilizer (about 15,000 metric tonnes) to farmers across Kaduna state,” the governor said.