…Unveils ₦500 Million Cash Support for Vulnerable Residents in Five LGAs
By Abdullahi Alhassan
Borno State Governor, , on Tuesday launched the 2026 Wet Farming Season with a comprehensive agricultural support programme that includes the sale of 200 truckloads of NPK fertiliser at 50 per cent subsidised rates and the distribution of free farming inputs to over 120,000 smallholder farmers across the state.
The initiative, flagged off at Kwaya Kusar Main Stadium, is aimed at boosting food production, strengthening food security, creating employment opportunities and improving the livelihoods of rural farmers.
As part of the intervention, the state government will distribute free agrochemicals, certified seeds, knapsack sprayers, water pumps, bicycles and post-harvest storage facilities to support farmers throughout the agricultural value chain.
Governor Zulum also inaugurated the distribution of 10,000 bicycles to improve farmers’ mobility in rural communities, while unveiling storage facilities designed to reduce post-harvest losses and preserve agricultural produce.
Speaking at the event, the governor said the programme reflects his administration’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a major driver of economic growth and sustainable development in Borno State.
According to him, the intervention covers mechanisation services, irrigation development, fertiliser and improved seed distribution, agricultural extension services, harvesting support, agro-processing, market access and financing opportunities, particularly for women and young farmers.
“We are officially launching the 2026 Wet Farming Season alongside the sales and distribution of subsidised NPK fertilisers and free agricultural inputs to strengthen crop production and improve farmers’ productivity,” Zulum said.
He disclosed that the government procured 200 truckloads of high-quality NPK fertiliser to be sold at half the prevailing market price, describing it as a significant increase from the 75 truckloads distributed during the previous farming season.
Beyond fertiliser support, the governor announced the free distribution of 40,000 litres of agrochemicals, 5,000 water pumps, 5,000 knapsack sprayers and other essential farm inputs to more than 120,000 profiled farmers across the state.
He explained that Kwaya Kusar was selected to host the statewide flag-off because of its strategic importance as one of Borno’s major agricultural belts and its vast farming potential within the North-East region.
Governor Zulum warned beneficiaries against diverting or selling the subsidised fertilisers, stressing that the products were strictly meant to enhance agricultural production.
He urged farmers to make judicious use of the inputs to maximise yields and contribute to the state’s food security agenda.
The governor also acknowledged the support of President , noting that Federal Government assistance has enabled states to implement impactful development programmes.
In a related intervention, Zulum announced a ₦500 million cash support package for poor and vulnerable residents, women and youths across the five local government areas of Biu, Hawul, Kwaya Kusar, Shani and Bayo to improve household incomes and stimulate local economic activities.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, , said Borno was steadily consolidating its position as one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural states through sustained investments in modern farming.
He noted that the administration had continued to invest in mechanisation, irrigation infrastructure, extension services, improved seedlings, solar-powered water pumps, agrochemicals, agricultural assets and post-harvest processing facilities.
Also speaking, called for the revival of Borno State’s annual agricultural show to provide farmers with a platform to showcase their produce, encourage innovation and promote agribusiness development.
The ceremony attracted top government officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers, local government chairmen, heads of government agencies, APC leaders and other critical stakeholders from across the state.
