Sani Dutsinma
The Kebbi State Government has commenced the distribution of 110 truckloads of free fertiliser to farmers across the state as part of Governor Nasir Idris’ annual commitment under the KADAGE agricultural programme aimed at boosting food production and supporting rural livelihoods.
Speaking during the distribution ceremony held at Halliru Abdu Stadium in Birnin Kebbi, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Shehu Mu’azu, said the initiative fulfilled the governor’s pledge to provide free agricultural inputs to farmers across the state every year.
Mu’azu explained that the administration’s agricultural policy is centred on the provision of free farm inputs, the promotion of dry-season farming and climate-resilient agricultural practices to enhance food security and improve the living standards of rural farmers.
He noted that the ministry had already distributed 5,000 power tillers, 6,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser annually and about 45,000 solar-powered and fuel-powered irrigation pumps to farmers across Kebbi State to strengthen agricultural productivity.
The commissioner further disclosed that, in addition to the 110 truckloads of fertiliser, the state government would distribute 100 metric tonnes of improved seed varieties to farmers for the 2026 wet farming season.
Also speaking at the event, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, warned beneficiaries against diverting or selling the fertiliser. He revealed that the government had constituted an annual fertiliser distribution committee comprising commissioners, members of the State House of Assembly, special advisers, local government chairmen, traditional rulers and security agencies.
According to Bala-Tafida, the committee has been mandated to ensure a transparent, equitable and accountable distribution process across Kebbi State’s 225 wards and 3,743 polling units.