Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Saturday, flagged off the 2025 wet season farming program.
Gatekeepers News reports that the programme includes the sale of subsidised fertilizers and distribution of free farm inputs to vulnerable farmers across the state.
The event, held at the Fertilizer Blending Company in Maiduguri, saw Zulum announce a 50% subsidy on 75 truckloads of fertilizer, targeting smallholder farmers, returnees in resettled areas, women, youth, and other vulnerable groups across Borno’s 27 local government areas.
The governor emphasized that the initiative aligns with the agricultural component of Pillar Two in the state’s 25-Year Development Plan and the 10-Year Strategic Transformation Framework, aimed at improving access to inputs, boosting productivity, and enhancing food security.
Zulum explained that two types of fertilizer, Wet Blend (liquid-based) and Dry Blend (granular), would be distributed based on regional security considerations. Wet Blend fertilizers, which are less prone to misuse, will be supplied to areas facing heightened security threats, while the Dry Blend will be delivered to more secure locations.
This strategic approach, he noted, serves both agronomic and security objectives by reducing the risk of fertilizers being diverted for illegal or dangerous purposes.
The Governor issued a strong warning against the diversion, hoarding, or illegal sale of subsidized fertilizers. He stated that all fertilizers would now be tracked by batch, source, and destination, with proxy purchases banned and only verified recipients allowed to access the products.
Community leaders and traditional rulers have been tasked with ensuring transparency and accountability in the distribution process, while agro-dealers must register and undergo vetting.
Zulum warned, “ In the same vein, any individual or group caught diverting, hoarding, or illegally reselling these fertilizers will face the full wrath of the law.”
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Engr. Bawu Musami revealed that the state’s investment in agriculture is already yielding results.
He said over 12,000 farmers supported in Baga and Monguno produced cowpea harvests worth more than ₦3.1 billion, despite the early end to the rainy season.
Engr. Musami also called for the reactivation of the state’s fertilizer plant and the establishment of an Agricultural Development Trust Fund to further institutionalize support for farmers.
Governor Zulum expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, and development partners for their continued support of Borno State’s agricultural revival.
