Food Security: Gombe activates 2022 farming season, distributes subsidised fertilizers to farmers

*Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State says subsidised fertilizers initiative is part of campaign promises aimed at boosting agriculture, enhancing food security, employment and broadening of revenue base of the government

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

In boosting agriculture, food security, employment, and revenue base of the state, the Gombe State Government has kick-started this year’s farming season with the commencement of the sales and distribution of fertilizers to farmers at Dukul, in Kwami Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

ConsumerConnect learnt Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State confirmed this development at the distribution point Sunday, July 17, 2022.

The governor stated that the subsidised fertilizers was part of his campaign promises aimed at boosting agriculture, even as he gave assurance of food security, employment and broadening of revenue base of the state.

Governor Yahaya said that about 7,500 tonnes of fertilizers had been procured for onward distribution to the farmers at the grassroots.

The Gombe State Chief Executive also stated: “In line with our normal practice, fertilizers will be supplied directly to the local government areas for onward sale and distribution through the polling units so as to reach the grassroots.”

He, therefore, directed the Gombe State Ministry of Agriculture, and all relevant security agencies to ensure strict compliance with the guidelines on sale and distribution exercise.

The NPK 15:15:15 will be sold at N19,000 as against about N25,000 in the markets and NPK 20:10:10 be sold at N15,000 per bag instead of about N20,000 open market price.

Yahaya as well appealed to the farmers to cooperate with those assigned with the responsibilities of sales and distribution across the state for the success of the exercise.

The governor, however, cautioned them against diversion or any form of mismanagement of the agricultural input.

The law will take its course on anybody found wanting, said he.

Governor Yahaya attributed the delay in this season’s sales and distribution of the commodity to security issues and other technical challenges in the production, procurement and distribution processes associated with the exercise in the region.

The governor confirmed that through the doggedness and perseverance of our Ministry of Agriculture, “we have been able to overcome the challenges and record a remarkable success.”

According to him, Gombe State is largely an agrarian state with over 80 percent of its population engaged in Agriculture, report said.

Yahaya noted: “Supporting this sector is therefore crucial to economic development, food security and sustainable livelihood for our people.”

Pledging his administration’s continued support to agricultural sector, the governor said, “we will continue to give our maximum support for the progress and development of this sector considering the role its play in the overall socioeconomic development.”

Yahaya also unveiled his government’s plan to establish more agricultural centres in Gombe State.

“It is our intention to provide a farm centre in each and every ward of Gombe state.

“Altogether, we intend to have 114 functional and operational farm service centres across the state,” Governor Yahaya stated.