Zulum unveils 50% discount on sale of free fertilizers and farm tools for 120,000 small farmers – THIS

… Announces $500 million in cash support to poor and vulnerable people in 5 local communities

By Salihu Pirkusu, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday flagged off the 2026 wet agricultural season across the state and launched the sale and distribution of 200 trucks of NPK fertilizers at 50% subsidized rates, along with the distribution of free agricultural inputs to 120,000 farmers to boost food production and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the state.

The intervention includes free distribution of agrochemicals, backpack sprayers, certified seeds, water pumps, bicycles and post-harvest storage facilities as part of the state’s comprehensive agricultural support programme.

Governor Zulum also initiated the distribution of 10,000 bicycles to improve the mobility of rural farmers and inaugurated post-harvest storage facilities aimed at reducing losses and improving the preservation of agricultural products.

Speaking during the awards ceremony held at the Kwaya Kusar Main Stadium, the Governor said the intervention was designed to strengthen agriculture, ensure food and nutrition security, create employment opportunities and improve the socio-economic well-being of the people.

The Governor explained that the program covers the entire agricultural value chain, including mechanization services, irrigation development, fertilizer and seed distribution improvement, agrochemical support, agricultural extension services, harvest support, post-harvest storage, agricultural produce processing facilities, market access and agricultural financing initiatives targeting women and youth.

“We are gathered here in Kwaya Kusar, one of the premier agricultural hubs in our state, to officially launch the 2026 wet farming season and flag off the sale and distribution of NPK fertilizers at government subsidized rates along with the distribution of free agrochemicals, knapsack sprayers, certified seeds, water pumps, bicycles, as well as post-harvest storage facilities for healthy and long-lasting storage,” Zulum said.

“The Borno State Government has procured 200 truckloads of high-quality NPK fertilizer which will be sold to farmers at a subsidy of 50% of the prevailing market price. This represents a significant increase from the 75 truckloads distributed during the last farming season,” he added.

“In addition to fertilisers, the state government will distribute free of cost 40,000 liters of agrochemicals, 5,000 water pumps, 5,000 backpack sprayers, 10,000 bicycles and other essential agricultural inputs to over 120,000 selected farmers across the state to ensure that farmers receive support across the entire agricultural value chain,” he said.

The Governor explained that Kwaya Kusar was deliberately selected to host the state-level launch due to its strategic importance as one of the major agricultural centers in Borno and its immense agricultural potential in the North Eastern Region.

It also warned beneficiaries against diverting or selling subsidized fertilizers.

“I wish to use this opportunity to highlight that these fertilizers distributed today are intended for agricultural production only. They are not intended for resale, diversion, hoarding or any other purpose other than agricultural production. Each beneficiary has the responsibility to ensure that these NPK fertilizers are used appropriately,” Zulum warned.

Governor Zulum commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Federal Government’s continued support to States, stressing that the assistance has enabled sub-national governments to implement more people-centred development programmes.

Likewise, Governor Zulum also announced a cash support package of ₦500 million for vulnerable people, women and youth in the five local government areas of Biu, Hawul, Kwaya Kusar, Shani and Bayo to improve livelihoods and stimulate economic activities.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Bawu Musami, has described Borno as one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural states, thanks to sustained investments in the sector.

“His Excellency has implemented numerous interventions, including both free and subsidized fertilizer programs, mechanization services, extension services, improved seeds, irrigation infrastructure, solar-powered water pumps, agrochemicals, agricultural resources, post-harvest processing facilities and many others,” Bawu said.

The Senator representing Borno South, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, has supported the revival of the state annual agricultural fair to provide farmers with an opportunity to showcase their products and promote agricultural innovation.

The ceremony was attended by numerous authorities, including the former deputy governor the Hon. Usman Mamman Durkwa; the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Abdulkarim Lawan; the Emir of Biu, Alhaji (Dr) Mustapha Umar Mustapha II; the Emir of Shani, Alhaji Nasiru Muhammadu Mailafiya; The State Chairman of the APC, Hon. Beautiful Ayuba; the Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly, Hon. Abdullahi Musa Askira;

Others include state assemblymen, commissioners, local government chairmen, heads of government agencies, APC leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.