Radda distributes subsidised fertiliser in Katsina

Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda yesterday launched the sales of fertiliser and distribution programme at Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State

Radda announced the selling price for fertiliser at a subsidised rate of N25,000 per bag.

He said: “From the very beginning of this administration, we made a clear commitment—that agriculture will remain a top priority, and that our farmers will continue to receive timely and meaningful support.

‘’My administration sustained last year’s effort to deliver fertiliser before the rainy season.This year, the programme has been strengthened further.

“We have gone further to strengthen and decentralise the distribution system to ensure that access is expanded and that every genuine farmer benefits directly,”

Radda added that the distribution would take place across 6,652 polling units statewide.

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He said: ‘’Funtua Zone will receive 60 bags per polling unit. Katsina Zone will receive 50 bags per polling unit. Daura Zone will receive 45 bags per polling unit. Ten large-scale farmers per ward will receive 10 bags each to support increased production.

“This eliminates middlemen, reduces diversion, and ensures that fertiliser gets directly to those who need it most, the farmers.’’

Radda also said fertiliser alone could not deliver agricultural transformation and that the state had adopted a comprehensive approach to agricultural development

On irrigation farming, he recalled that the state is drilling over 3,000 tube wells free, which would ensure farmers have reliable access to water for year-round.

He said:  “Last year, the administration distributed 4,000 solar-powered water pumps. This year, an additional 4,000 gasoline-powered irrigation pumps have been provided free of charge across 361 wards, alongside liquid fertiliser, pesticides, and herbicides.”

He noted that the state government has procured six tube well drilling machines, three air compressors, one cutter suction dredger, and one amphibious swamp buggy excavator.

The governor approved the procurement of improved seedlings for farmers at subsidised rates.

He said: “We are also investing in the future of agriculture through our youths. Currently, 361 young men and women are undergoing training in modern farming, agro-processing, and agribusiness. They represent the next generation that will drive agricultural transformation in our state.”

Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Lawal Aliyu Shargalle, described agriculture under Radda as a “renewed engine of hope,” noting that no farming season had passed without fertiliser support to farmers since the inception of the administration.