Uba Sani flags off free distribution of fertilizer to 100,000 farmers

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

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony at Murtala Square on Saturday, the governor maintained that because of the successes recorded in the agriculture sector in inaccessible farmlands are now accessible.

The Governor also enrolled the beneficiaries on to 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 crop risk insurance scheme will protect “farmers against losses from pests, diseases, and adverse weather linked to climate change.”

According to Governor Sani, each of the 100,000 smallholder farmers will receive two bags of fertilizer free of charge, pointing out that “Kaduna State remains the only state where smallholder farmers consistently receive fertilizer and other critical inputs at no cost.”

The Governor of Kaduna State maintained that “we are proud to maintain this farmer-first policy, particularly for our most vulnerable and underserved communities.”

He recalled that last year, Kaduna State executed its largest-ever fertilizer distribution—over 500 trucks—and launched several empowerment initiatives including support for dry season farming, ginger recovery programs, and mechanization with 200 tractors.

The Governor also announced a subsidized fertilizer program for commercial farmers as part of his administration’s bid to boost agriculture, at the free fertiliser distribution ceremony to small holder farmers.

“We are providing access to 10 bags of fertilizer per farmer at a 40% subsidized rate of N30,000 per bag. This is to lower their production cost, support job creation, and stabilize commodity prices in the open market,’’ he added.

He 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 that “we pledged to elevate agriculture from subsistence activity to a driver of growth, jobs, and dignity.’’

Governor Sani noted 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, marking a remarkable 4,871% increase.

He pointed out that ‘’as a share of the overall state budget, agriculture has grown from just 0.4% in 2023 to 10% in 2025.”

“This fertilizer distribution to farmers is not a stand-alone event—it is part of a strategic, coordinated, and systems-based approach to agricultural transformation,’’ he added.

The Governor who urged the beneficiaries to use the inputs responsibly, praised all stakeholders for their role in ensuring transparency in the entire exercise, adding that ‘’together, we will continue building a Kaduna State where agriculture is not just a way of life, but a pathway to prosperity.’’

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