The Zamfara State Government has flagged off the distribution of 98 trucks of fertilizers, seeds, and agrochemicals to farmers across the state free of charge, as part of efforts to boost agricultural productivity.
Speaking during the official launch in Gusau, the state capital, Governor Dauda Lawal said the initiative would benefit over 59,000 small holder farmers across the 14 local government areas of the state.
Governor Lawal stated that, the intervention is part of his administration’s commitment to increasing crop yields, achieving food security, and improving the livelihoods of rural farmers.
“As a state where over 85 percent of our population relies on agriculture for survival, we consider it both a duty and a moral obligation to support and empower our farmers,” he said. “Zamfara remains the lifeblood of our economy.”
He revealed that the government is distributing 34,800 kilograms of rice seeds, 80,000 kilograms of maize seeds, 23,740 liters of herbicides, 11,735 liters of insecticides, and 23,470 sachets of seed-dressing chemicals to farmers statewide.
Dr. Lawal emphasized the administration’s agricultural transformation plan, which aims to drive food security, create jobs, reduce poverty, and promote inclusive economic growth.
“We are not only investing in seeds and fertilizers but also in systems, technology, and human capital that will deliver long-term impact,”
“This year, we are placing renewed emphasis on the inclusion of women, youth, and persons with special needs. They are not just beneficiaries—they are agents of transformation.”
The governor urged beneficiaries not to sell the commodities for quick gains but to use them wisely to boost productivity and invest in their futures.
He assured that, mechanisms have been put in place to ensure the inputs reach genuine farmers in every corner of the state, warning that anyone found diverting or selling the items would face sanctions.
To ensure transparency in distribution, Governor Lawal announced the establishment of a monitoring and distribution committee headed by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and comprised of key stakeholders.
In addition, Governor Lawal commissioned the newly constructed Fadama House, completed within six months through a partnership with the NG-CARES program.
He said the facility would serve as a central hub for program coordination, technical support, and capacity building in the state’s agricultural sector.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Haruna Yau Gamji, praised the initiative and reiterated the administration’s focus on sustainable livelihood development through agriculture.
He also disclosed plans to establish an international livestock market in Zamfara one he described as the best in West Africa.
Beneficiaries who spoke to Radio Nigeria expressed gratitude to the state government for the timely support. They pledged to utilize the inputs to improve food production during the current wet Season.
The event had brought together, top government officials, traditional rulers abd other traditional rulers in the state.
COV/AMINU DALHATU
