Governor Dauda Lawal on Friday flagged-off the distribution of 72,000 bags of assorted fertilisers and other agricultural inputs to Zamfara farmers for the 2026 wet season at no cost.
Speaking at the ceremony, Lawal said the inputs were being distributed free to farmers across the state to boost food production and improve livelihoods.
He noted that his administration’s agricultural interventions were already improving productivity, expanding cultivated land and increasing household incomes.
“The effort is aimed at supporting farmers and laying a solid foundation for a modern, competitive and climate-resilient agricultural sector.
“Under the 2026 wet season programme, the state government will distribute 72,000 bags of assorted fertilisers, 200,000 litres of herbicides and 100 crop residue crushers,” he said.
Other items include 100 grass chopper machines, 100 feed milling machines, improved pasture seeds, 20 motorcycles and 20 mobile phones for agricultural extension agents.
According to Lawal, the interventions are designed to strengthen both crop and livestock production, improve agricultural extension services, enhance productivity and provide farmers with access to modern farming techniques and professional support.
He said the commodities would cover the 147 political wards in the state.
“Each ward will receive 340 bags of fertilisers, while each of the 14 local government areas will get 8,000 litres of herbicides,” the governor said.
Gusau local government, he added, would receive additional allocations due to its population and strategic importance as the state capital.
The governor said the success of the programme would depend not only on the quantity of inputs distributed, but also on ensuring they reach genuine farmers.
He appealed to the fertiliser distribution committee to discharge its duties with honesty, fairness, transparency and accountability.
While cautioning against diversion of the commodities, Lawal said: “My administration will maintain zero tolerance for diversion, hoarding, illegal sales or any act capable of denying genuine farmers access to the inputs.”
He directed security agencies, including the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), to work with the distribution committee to ensure the items get to the farmers.
The governor urged beneficiaries to use the inputs for the intended purpose, embrace modern farming practices and contribute to the state’s agricultural development.
He said the fertilisers were branded to prevent diversion, warning that it should not be found in markets.
Lawal also appreciated development partners, traditional institutions, security agencies, farmers’ associations, extension workers and community leaders for supporting the state’s agricultural transformation agenda.
Earlier, the Zamfara Commissioner for Agriculture, Yau Haruna-Gamji, described the state as one of Nigeria’s leading food-producing states.
Haruna-Gamji said the government would continue to provide farmers with the support needed to enhance productivity and improve livelihoods.
He disclosed that the state government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Republic of Turkey.
“The agreement qualifies Zamfara for a $100 million grant to transform the state’s agricultural sector.
“The grant will place Zamfara’s agriculture on the global map through a more robust and competitive industry.
“The 2026 wet season programme includes the direct distribution of 120 truckloads of fertilisers, equivalent to 72,000 bags, and 200,000 litres of agrochemicals, including insecticides and herbicides.
“Each registered beneficiary farmer will receive one bag of fertiliser, while each political ward will be allocated 340 bags. Some LGAs will get additional allocations based on population and farming activities,” he said.
The commissioner urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the inputs to maximise agricultural output.
He also appealed to the distribution committee to ensure transparency, accountability and fairness.
Women farmers expressed appreciation to Gov Lawal for the gesture.
The leader of the group, Hajiya Sa’adatu Maradun, said the items would boost their production.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by traditional rulers, farmers’ groups among other stakeholders.
