Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has officially launched the distribution of 500 trucks of free fertilizer and tractors to 150,000 smallholder farmers. This initiative, spanning all 23 local government areas, marks the third year in a row that the administration has provided these resources. During the event at Murtala Mohammed Square, the Governor emphasized that this program is one of the most comprehensive agricultural support efforts by any state government in Nigeria.
Addressing the rationale behind giving the supplies away for free, the Governor noted that subsidized prices remain unaffordable for many small-scale farmers. Furthermore, he expressed concern that subsidies often allow large-scale operators to hoard and resell supplies at inflated prices. He stated that the government aims to prevent rising production costs from negatively impacting yields or local food security.
Governor Sani highlighted the vital role of agriculture, which accounts for approximately 43 percent of the state’s GDP and employs a vast majority of the workforce. Under his tenure, the state has significantly boosted its agricultural budget, moving from ₦1.48 billion in 2023 to over ₦100 billion proposed for 2026. This commitment exceeds the Malabo Declaration benchmark of 10 percent.
Beyond fertilizer, the state is investing in the full agricultural value chain, including improved seeds, mechanization, and irrigation. The administration has also bolstered livestock development and provided insurance for over 100,000 farmers to mitigate risks from environmental hazards. Through partnerships with the African Development Bank and the Federal Government, the state is developing Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones to enhance value addition and ensure local products meet international quality standards.
