By Abubakar Haruna Muhammad (9News Nigeria Northeast)
It was a day of celebration for farmers in Borno State as Governor Prof Babagana Umara Zulum on Tuesday flagged off the 2026 statewide Wet Farming Season with the launch of subsidised fertiliser and free agricultural inputs to boost food production and improve livelihoods.
The Governor unveiled the sale of 200 truckloads of NPK fertiliser at 50 per cent subsidised rates and the distribution of free farm inputs to 120,000 small-holder farmers across the state.
The support package includes free agrochemicals, knapsack sprayers, certified seeds, water pumps, bicycles and post-harvest storage facilities as part of the state’s comprehensive agricultural programme.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at Kwaya Kusar Main Stadium, Governor Zulum said the intervention was designed to strengthen agriculture, guarantee food and nutrition security, create jobs and improve the socio-economic wellbeing of the people.
“We are gathered here in Kwaya Kusar, one of the most important agricultural hubs in our state, to officially launch the 2026 Wet Farming Season and flag off the sales and distribution of NPK fertilisers at government-subsidized rates alongside the distribution of free agrochemicals, knapsack sprayers, certified seeds, water pumps, bicycles, as well as post-harvest storage facilities,” Zulum stated.
He announced that the state government procured 200 truckloads of high-quality NPK fertiliser, a significant increase from the 75 truckloads distributed last season.
“Beyond fertilisers, the state government will also distribute 40,000 litres of agrochemicals free of charge, 5,000 water pumps, 5,000 knapsack sprayers, 10,000 bicycles and other essential farm inputs to over 120,000 profiled farmers across the state,” he said.
The Governor explained that the programme covers the entire agricultural value chain, including mechanisation, irrigation development, extension services, harvesting support, agro-processing, market access, and financing initiatives targeting women and youths.
He warned beneficiaries against diversion, saying “these fertilisers are meant strictly for agricultural crop production. They are not for resale, diversion, hoarding or any other purpose other than crop production.”
To cushion economic hardship, Governor Zulum also announced a ₦500 million cash support package for vulnerable persons, women and youths in Biu, Hawul, Kwaya Kusar, Shani and Bayo* Local Government Areas.
Stakeholders Laud Intervention Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Bawu Musami, said Borno is steadily emerging as one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural states through sustained investments in the sector.
Senator representing Borno South, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, advocated the revival of the state’s annual agricultural show to showcase farmers’ produce and promote innovation.
