Governor Uba Sani has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector of Kaduna State by distributing 400 trucks of free fertiliser to 100,000 smallholder farmers.

Mr Sani made this known at the inauguration ceremony on Saturday at Murtala Square, Kaduna.

The governor also enrolled the beneficiaries in a crop-risk insurance scheme, underscoring his government’s “enduring commitment to inclusive development, food security, and rural prosperity through agricultural transformation.”

The governor further explained that the scheme would protect farmers against losses caused by pests, diseases, and adverse weather conditions linked to climate change.

According to him, each of the 100,000 smallholder farmers will receive two bags of fertiliser free of charge, pointing out that the state remains the only state where smallholder farmers consistently receive fertiliser and other critical inputs at no cost.

The governor maintained, “We are proud to maintain this farmer-first policy, particularly for our most vulnerable and underserved communities.”

Mr Sani recalled that in 2024, Kaduna State executed its largest-ever fertiliser distribution of over 500 trucks and launched several empowerment initiatives, including support for dry season farming, ginger recovery programmes, and mechanisation with 200 tractors.

The governor also announced a subsidised fertiliser programme for commercial farmers as part of his administration’s bid to boost agriculture at the free fertiliser distribution ceremony to smallholder farmers.

“We are providing access to 10 bags of fertiliser per farmer at a 40 per cent subsidised rate of N30,000 per bag.

“This is to lower their production cost, support job creation, and stabilise commodity prices in the open market,’’ he added.

Mr Sani attributed the success of these agricultural initiatives in part to improved security across the state, whereby a large portion of previously inaccessible farmlands is now accessible.

The governor described the distribution of free fertiliser and crop risk insurance scheme as part of the fulfilment of his campaign promises, recalling, “we pledged to elevate agriculture from subsistence activity to a driver of growth, jobs, and dignity.’’

Mr Sani stated that the astronomical increase in the agriculture sector’s funding, from a budgetary allocation of ₦1.48 billion in 2023 to ₦74.02 billion in 2025, marked a remarkable 4,871 per cent increase.

He pointed out that as a share of the overall state budget, agriculture had grown from just 0.4 per cent in 2023 to 10 per cent in 2025.

Mr Sani added, “This fertiliser distribution to farmers is not a stand-alone event; it is part of a strategic, coordinated, and systems-based approach to agricultural transformation.”

The governor, who urged the beneficiaries to use the inputs responsibly, praised all the stakeholders for their role in ensuring transparency in the entire exercise.

He added, “Together, we will continue building a Kaduna State where agriculture is not just a way of life, but a pathway to prosperity.’’

(NAN)