Sign in Subscribe
Local government

Sokoto State Government Invests N5.3 Billion in Farming Inputs, Launches Initiative to Enhance Productivity and Food Security

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Sokoto State governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has launched a major initiative aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring food security in the state. The scheme involves the sale of subsidized farming inputs, including NPK fertilizers and urea, to farmers across the state. The governor announced that the state government has invested N5.3 billion in procuring these essential inputs, which will be sold to farmers at significantly reduced prices.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Sokoto State government has invested N5.3 billion in procuring farming inputs, including NPK fertilizers and urea, for the current wet season.
  • The governor announced a 40% subsidy on these inputs, with farmers now paying N28,800 for a bag of NPK fertilizer and N29,800 for a bag of urea.
  • Governor Aliyu emphasized the importance of agriculture to the state's economy, stating that his administration is committed to supporting farmers and boosting agricultural productivity.
  • The initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and improve farmers' livelihoods.
  • A contract has been awarded for the procurement of 250 Massey Ferguson tractors to support mechanized farming.
  • Rehabilitation of all irrigation sites across the state is ongoing, with the Kalmalo irrigation site already awarded for rehabilitation.
  • The governor directed the committee in charge of sales to ensure that only genuine farmers benefit from the programme.
  • Security agencies have been tasked with arresting and prosecuting anyone caught diverting or hoarding essential commodities.

Statistics:

  • N5.3 billion: Sokoto State government's investment in procuring farming inputs for the current wet season.
  • 40%: Subsidy on farming inputs, reducing the cost of NPK fertilizers and urea for farmers.
  • N28,800/N29,800: Price of a bag of NPK fertilizer/urea for farmers after the subsidy.
  • 250: Number of Massey Ferguson tractors to be procured to support mechanized farming.
  • 23: Number of local government areas in Sokoto State that will benefit from the subsidized fertilizer sale initiative.

Sources:

  • Sokoto State governor, Ahmed Aliyu, at the flag-off of the sale of fertilizer at Gwadabawa local government area.
  • Chairman of the State Committee on Sales of Food Items and Other Essential Commodities, Chiso Abdullahi Dattijo.
  • Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Tukur Alkali.

Read more