Gombe State governor Inuwa Yahaya has launched the distribution of fertiliser for the 2024 wet season farming, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to agricultural development and food security.
The governor said the state had procured 4,000 tonnes of assorted fertiliser, with 2,000 tonnes allocated to farmers at subsidised rates.
He also revealed that the state has partnered with the federal government, World Bank, and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to implement various agriculture-related projects, including the Special Agricultural Processing Zone (SAPZ) and agricultural training centres.
Governor Yahaya also announced a 50 percent discount on fertiliser for farmers, with a 50kg bag of NPK costing N22,000.
The state commissioner for agriculture, Dr Barnabas Malle, expressed gratitude to the governor for his continued support for the agriculture sector, including the timely procurement and distribution of fertiliser, agrochemicals, and farm equipment to farmers at subsidised rates.
He also mentioned the reconstruction of the farmer/herder committee, which has reduced conflicts between farmers and herders in the state.
The commissioner also praised the governor’s prompt release of funds for the annual vaccination against trans-boundary animal diseases such as Contagious Bovine Pleuro Pneumonia (CBPP), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and Anthrax.
He, however, appealed to the governor to employ more veterinary doctors and agricultural extension officers in the ministry, saying such essential staff have reduced due to retirements.
