…sells fertiliser at N20,000 per bag against N38,000 production cost
The Bauchi State Government on Tuesday officially flagged off the 2026 wet farming season and launched the sale of subsidised fertiliser and other agricultural inputs as part of efforts to boost food production and support farmers across the state.
- …sells fertiliser at N20,000 per bag against N38,000 production cost
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Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, who performed the twin ceremonies in Bununu, headquarters of Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making agriculture the cornerstone of the state’s economic development.
Addressing farmers, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, the governor described farmers as the true drivers of the state’s economy, acknowledging their contributions to food security and economic growth.
“You are the reason we are here today. You are the true drivers of our economy. Every meal consumed in our homes, every market supplied with foodstuffs and every agro-processing enterprise depends on your labour, resilience and sacrifices,” he said.
Governor Mohammed noted that agriculture remains the backbone of Bauchi State’s economy and one of the most effective tools for job creation, poverty reduction, improved rural livelihoods and inclusive economic growth.
He said Bauchi is endowed with vast arable land, favourable climatic conditions and hardworking people, adding that his administration has prioritised agriculture since assuming office in 2019 under the Bauchi Project development agenda.
According to him, the government has implemented several initiatives to reposition the sector, including the development of a comprehensive agricultural policy, revitalisation of the Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme (BASDP), and strengthening of the Bauchi State Agricultural Supply Company (BASAC) to improve farmers’ access to quality inputs.
The governor also highlighted the revival of the Bauchi State Agricultural Development Company (PADCO), expansion of agricultural mechanisation through tractor services, improved extension services, investment in irrigation farming and empowerment of youths and women through agribusiness support programmes.
“These interventions are not isolated projects. They are carefully designed components of our integrated vision to transform agriculture from subsistence to commercial production, from poverty to prosperity and from hardship to opportunity,” he stated.
ALSO READ: Bauchi gives 1,250 youths N625m start-up grants to boost agric production
Governor Mohammed acknowledged that the high cost of fertiliser remains one of the biggest challenges facing farmers, saying his administration had taken deliberate steps to cushion the impact.
He disclosed that although the production cost of a bag of fertiliser currently stands at about N38,000, the state government has approved its sale to farmers at a heavily subsidised price of N20,000 per bag throughout the 2026 farming season.
“Rather than allow our farmers to bear the burden alone, the Bauchi State Government has made adequate quantities of fertiliser available for this year’s farming season.
“I am pleased to announce that high-quality NPK fertiliser will be sold at the subsidised rate of N20,000 per bag. This represents a significant government investment in food security and the prosperity of our people,” he said.
The governor assured farmers that fertiliser distribution would cover all 20 local government areas of the state to guarantee equitable access.
He directed BASAC to ensure transparency, accountability and fairness throughout the distribution process to prevent diversion and ensure that genuine farmers benefit from the subsidy.
Beyond fertiliser distribution, Mohammed said the administration remains committed to building a modern, resilient and competitive agricultural sector through investments in improved seeds, mechanisation, irrigation, climate-smart agriculture, value addition, agro-processing, extension services and better market access.
He added that the government is also strengthening rural infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses, increase farmers’ incomes and stimulate economic activities across rural communities.
The governor urged farmers to embrace modern agricultural technologies and improved farming practices to improve productivity and adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.
“Agriculture today is knowledge-driven. Success depends not only on the size of one’s farm but also on the ability to apply innovation, technology and sound agronomic practices,” he said.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Iliyasu Aliyu Gital, commended Governor Mohammed for approving the early release of funds for fertiliser procurement, noting that the timely intervention would enable farmers to access inputs before the peak of the rainy season.
He assured that the ministry and its agencies would closely monitor fertiliser sales to ensure that only genuine farmers benefit from the subsidy.
Also speaking, the Emir of Bauchi and Chairman of the Bauchi State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, applauded the governor for making fertiliser available ahead of the peak farming season.
The event culminated with Governor Mohammed officially flagging off fertiliser sales by personally selling subsidised fertiliser to selected farmers after issuing them official payment receipts.
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