Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has officially initiated the sale of subsidised fertiliser tailored for dry season farming in the Wurno Local Government Area, representing a major advancement for agricultural production within the state.
As per the governor’s announcement, the state administration has secured 52 trucks of Urea and 50 trucks of NPK fertiliser, which will be available at significantly reduced prices across all 23 local government areas in the state.
He specified that each local government area will receive two trucks of Urea and one truck of NPK, with the price set at N19,000 per bag for Urea and N18,000 for NPK.
Aliyu highlighted that Urea has been subsidised by 62% and NPK by 60%, making it more financially accessible for farmers.
The governor stressed the importance of maintaining transparency in the distribution process, referencing past challenges where middlemen redirected free fertilisers intended for farmers.
"We uncovered that the targeted beneficiaries were not fully benefitting from the subsidy due to the actions of middlemen," Aliyu remarked. "This prompted our decision to provide the fertiliser at strongly subsidised prices to guarantee transparency and direct access for authentic farmers."
He cautioned against the diversion of fertiliser, calling on security forces to be alert and apprehend anyone attempting to divert the essential commodity.
As part of the broader strategy to enhance agricultural productivity, the governor revealed that the state government has contracted the acquisition of 250 MF-375 Massey Ferguson tractors at a total cost of N22,125,938,207.50.
Aliyu further mentioned efforts to renew irrigation systems within Sokoto to facilitate year-round agricultural activities. "Contracts have been awarded for the restoration and upgrade of the Lugu Dam, and the Kware Irrigation Facility will also be refurbished to bolster continuous farming processes," he added.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, represented at the event by Wazirin Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaid, commended Governor Aliyu for executing projects that focus on benefiting the populace.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Tukur Alkali, also praised the governor for his steadfast support for both the Ministry of Agriculture and local farmers.
Abbas Isah Saddiq, the Chairman of Wurno Local Government Area, expressed gratitude to Aliyu for designating Wurno as the site for the state-wide launch, appreciating the transformative initiatives that have taken place in Sokoto State, especially in Wurno LGA.
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