Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has commenced the distribution of 500 trucks of free fertiliser and tractors to 150,000 smallholder farmers across the state’s 23 local government areas, marking the third consecutive year of the agricultural support programme.
The governor said the initiative was part of his administration’s broader effort to strengthen agriculture and support farmers amid rising production costs.
Last year, Governor Sani distributed 400 trucks of fertiliser to 100,000 small holder farmers, with each beneficiary receiving two bags of the farm input. In 2024, his administration also carried out what it described as the largest fertiliser distribution programme in the state, providing farmers with fertiliser and other agricultural inputs for dry-season farming.
Speaking during the latest flag-off ceremony held at Murtala Mohammed Square on Saturday, Sani described the programme as one of the most extensive agricultural intervention schemes by any state government in Nigeria.
He said the decision to provide the fertiliser free of charge was aimed at preventing high production costs from discouraging farming activities, reducing yields, or worsening food insecurity.
According to the governor, some advisers had suggested selling the fertiliser to farmers at subsidised rates, noting that a bag purchased for ₦56,000 could have been sold for ₦20,000. However, he argued that such a price would still be unaffordable for many small-scale farmers and could allow wealthy farmers to buy the commodity in bulk and resell it at higher prices.
Sani highlighted the importance of agriculture to Kaduna’s economy, noting that the sector contributes about 43 per cent to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides employment for between 60 and 80 per cent of the active workforce.
He attributed the return of many farmers to their fields to improved security in the state, saying cooperation from residents and support from President Bola Tinubu’s administration had helped the state reclaim about 5,000 hectares of farmland.
The governor said Kaduna’s large landmass and favourable agricultural conditions position the state to contribute significantly to food security, industrial growth, employment generation and economic development.
He added that the state remains a leading producer of crops such as maize, tomatoes and ginger, stressing that agriculture goes beyond food production as it also supports job creation, rural development and social stability.
Sani recalled that when his administration assumed office in 2023, agriculture received only ₦1.48 billion, representing about 0.4 per cent of the state budget. He said the allocation was increased to ₦23.40 billion in 2024 and later raised to ₦74.02 billion in 2025.
He further disclosed that more than ₦100 billion was allocated to agriculture and food security in the 2026 budget, representing about 11.65 per cent of total state expenditure and surpassing the 10 per cent target recommended by the Malabo Declaration.
The governor credited the achievements in the agricultural sector to support from the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing appreciation for the collaboration.
He explained that his administration’s agricultural strategy covers the entire value chain, including improved seeds, mechanisation, irrigation, extension services, access to finance, insurance coverage, transportation and market opportunities.
Sani stressed that modern agriculture requires mechanisation, saying economies cannot compete globally while depending mainly on outdated farming methods.
He also listed other interventions by the state government, including livestock development through veterinary services, disease monitoring, vaccination programmes, dairy and poultry initiatives, improved animal feed and pastoral infrastructure.
The governor said more than 100,000 farmers had benefited from agricultural insurance schemes designed to protect them against risks such as floods, droughts, pests and other challenges that could destroy their investments.
He added that investments in rural roads had improved connections between farming communities, processing centres and markets, helping to reduce post-harvest losses and increase farmers’ earnings.
Sani also disclosed that Kaduna was implementing a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone in partnership with the Federal Government and the African Development Bank to promote value addition in agriculture.
He further revealed that the state was establishing an Africa Quality Assurance Centre to ensure Kaduna’s agricultural products meet international standards and compete effectively in regional and global markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Gov. Sani Launches Distribution of 500 Trucks of Free Fertiliser to 150,000 Kaduna Farmers
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