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

By Christian Njoku

The Cross River State Government has commenced the distribution of subsidised Arabica and Robusta coffee seedlings to farmers across the state.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Johnson Ebokpo, said the initiative aimed to boost coffee production and improve livelihoods in rural communities.

Ebokpo directed farmers who had been profiled and made payments to visit their respective local government council offices with proof of payment to collect their seedlings.

According to him, Arabica seedlings for farmers in Eastern Boki are available at Okwabang Village through designated agricultural officers, while those in Obudu should collect theirs at the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) office.

“To ensure proper planting and increased productivity, trained extension officers at local government agriculture departments and ADP offices are available to guide farmers on planting and maintenance,” he stated.

Ebokpo advised farmers to transplant the seedlings immediately after collection for best results.

He also urged interested farmers who had not yet been profiled to visit the ministry’s headquarters in Calabar or their local agric offices for documentation and inclusion in the programme. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ehigimetor Igbaugba/Abiemwense Moru

By Hussaina Yakubu

Gov. 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.

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

The governor also enrolled the beneficiaries onto 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 from pests, diseases, and adverse weather 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 remained 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.”

Sani recalled that in 2024, Kaduna State executed its largest-ever fertiliser distribution 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% 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.

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

Sani stated that the astronomic 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.

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)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Dorcas Jonah

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Farm Flowers and Allied Products Initiative (FFAP), has called on women to embrace backyard farming to build stronger, healthier, and more self-reliant communities.

The president of the FFAP, Mrs Christy Sani Yakubu, made the call on Thursday at a Sensitisation Programme on Backyard Farming, organised by FFAP in Abuja.

Yakubu said that backyard farming was more than just planting vegetables behind the house.

According to her, it is a powerful tool for household resilience, especially for women who are often the primary providers of food and nutrition within the family.

“Backyard farming empowers families to grow their own fresh produce, reduce dependence on external food sources, and make healthier dietary choices.

“At a time when food prices are rising, climate change is affecting what we grow, and many families are struggling to put meals on the table.

“Backyard farming gives us a practical and empowering way to take control of our lives,” FFAP boss said.

According to her, backyard farming may seem small, but its impact is powerful.

“With a few square feet of land, or even containers, we can reduce costs, generate small incomes, and teach our children the value of self-reliance and environmental care,’’ she said.

Yakubu urged participants to explore the programme to exchange the ideas and make backyard farming a reality in their homes and neighbourhoods.

Earlier, the National President of the National Council for Women Societies, (NCWS) Nigeria, Mrs Ednah Azura, advised participants to take full advantage of the knowledge and tools shared in the training.

Azura, represented by the National Newsletter Editor, Mrs Comfort Ahua, said that the initiative was timely and significant, as it aligned with NCWS vision of empowering women through sustainable agricultural practices and food security.

“Backyard farming, beyond being a means of livelihood, also ensures improved nutrition, self-reliance, and a greener environment for our communities.

“I wish to sincerely thank the hosts, FFAP for creating this inclusive platform that prioritises women’s empowerment and practical knowledge.

“Your work is commendable and aligns strongly with NCWS’s commitment to economic empowerment at the grassroots level,’’ she said.

Presenting training on backyard farming, Mr Obasi Sunday, Desk Officer, Horticulture-Medicinal Plant, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, said backyard farming offers numerous benefits, including access to fresh, healthy food and exercise, and a connection with nature.

Sunday described it as a stress reliever, a way to learn new skills, and a means to reduce environmental impact. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab