Zulum flags off fertiliser, inputs distribution
By Hamza Suleiman
Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has launched the sale of fertiliser and free distribution of farm inputs to vulnerable farmers across the state.
The exercise took place on Saturday at the Fertiliser Blending Company, Farm Centre, Maiduguri.
Zulum said 75 trucks of fertiliser would be sold at a 50 per cent subsidy for the 2025 wet farming season and Firgi cultivation.
He stated that the subsidised fertilisers would benefit smallholder farmers, returnees, youths, women, and vulnerable groups in the state’s 27 local government areas.
“I have approved the sale of fertilisers at half the price to ensure they are affordable, accessible and have meaningful impact,” Zulum said.
He said the initiative supports Pillar Two of Borno’s 25-Year Development Plan and 10-Year Strategic Transformation Framework.
Zulum said the fertiliser distribution has two types – Wet Blend and Dry Blend.
“The Wet Blend, being liquid-based, will go to areas with high security risks to prevent misuse,” he explained.
He added that “Dry Blend”, a granular type, would be supplied to areas considered more secure and stable.
Zulum said the distribution strategy also serves as a security measure against diversion for unauthorised purposes.
He stressed that agriculture is vital to livelihoods, food production, and reducing the state’s reliance on food imports.
“Agriculture is key to peace and progress. Food security is national security,” he added.
He restated the government’s commitment to empowering farmers and rebuilding the economy through agriculture.
Zulum warned strongly against the diversion or illegal sale of subsidised fertilisers.
He said, “Some fertiliser elements can be misused for criminal purposes. Hence, all supplies will be tracked by batch, source and destination.
“Proxy purchases are banned. Every recipient must be verified. Local leaders must ensure transparency in their communities.
“Only Wet Blend will go to sensitive areas. Fertiliser movement must be cleared officially. Agro-dealers must be registered and monitored,” he said.
He said those caught diverting, hoarding, or reselling fertiliser illegally would face strict legal consequences.
Zulum thanked President Bola Tinubu, the Agriculture Ministry and development partners for supporting agricultural recovery in Borno.
Earlier, Agriculture Commissioner, Mr Bawu Musami, reaffirmed the state’s resolve to grow its own food and empower citizens through agriculture.
Musami said over 12,000 farmers in Baga and Monguno, supported with cowpea seeds and inputs, produced crops worth over ₦3.1 billion.
He called for reactivation of the Fertiliser Plant and creation of an Agricultural Development Trust Fund to sustain sectoral progress. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
Published By
Has also recently published
SportsAugust 3, 2025Basketball: D’Tigress edge Senegal 75-68 to reach final
ForeignAugust 2, 2025HIV: Africa advances with 1st procurement of locally made medicine
ReligiousAugust 2, 2025Kaigama inaugurates sign language training for Christian, Muslim clerics
SportsAugust 2, 2025Tijani, Ibekwe win NAWIS Board seats
