By Ahmad Alabira, Dutse
Jigawa State government will on Monday commence the sale of subsidized fertilizer to rainy season farmers at the rate of sixteen thousand naira per bag.
The Chief of Staff to Governor Umar Namadi and chairman fertilizer distribution committee, Senator Mustapha Makama Kiyawa told reporters over the weekend in Dutse.
He said already 200 trailer loads of NPK fertilizer had been secured and the commodity is in the stores across the state waiting to be distributed and sold to farmers at 50 percent subsidized rate.
The committee was inaugurated last Friday by governor Namadi at government house in Dutse.
The chairman of the committee explained that the state government has procured 200 trailer loads of NPK fertilizer containing 120,000 bags.
”The commodity has already arrived the state, presently it is in the stores across the state for easy distribution to the farmers.
“The fertilizer will be sold at N16,000 per bag and will take place on Monday July 17, 2023 at all the designated centers across the state.
“The removal of fuel subsidies is a necessary step towards economic stability, the government is to ensure that farmers receive the support they need during this transition”, the chairman added.
He added that Fertilizer being essential in enhancing crop yields and food security, it will be made available to farmers at a significantly reduced cost.
He further explained that the distribution will be achieved in collaboration with all the stakeholders.
“This will involve close collaboration with agricultural agencies, cooperative societies, and other stakeholders to ensure the efficient and transparent implementation of the distribution process.
“The subsidy will make the fertilizer affordable and accessible to many farmers. Particularly those who may not have been able to afford it due to financial constraints.
“The committee is crucial in facilitating the timely distribution of subsidized fertilizer, which will help cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal”, chairman stated.
The chairman said the government is aware of the numerous problems farmers are facing presently.
“We understand the financial constraints faced by many farmers, and our goal is to alleviate their burden by providing subsidized fertilizer.
“We aim at empowering farmers and encourage increased agricultural output, ultimately contributing to enhanced food security in our state”, he stressed.
