The federal government has distributed fertilisers to 5,040 farmers in Bauchi State under the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).

The fertilisers were distributed to the beneficiaries through the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) during the 2026 cropping season.

Its chairman, Yusuf Sambo, said this in Bauchi on Wednesday.

Mr Sambo said the fund provided 12,160 bags of fertilisers for distribution to 3,040 AFAN-registered members, while the state government received 8,000 bags for distribution to 2,000 other farmers.

He said each beneficiary received four bags of NPK fertiliser.

Mr Sambo said the association encouraged farmers who abandoned farming in 2025 because of the high cost of fertilisers to return to their farms this season.

Mr Sambo said the association compiled and submitted farmer data to the fund for verification to ensure only genuine farmers received the commodity.

He said that the intervention would improve agricultural productivity and strengthen food security.

Moses Atsevgo, coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said that the NADF intervention was designed to provide 20,160 bags of fertilisers to each of the 36 states and the FCT.

Mr Atsevgo said that fertiliser allocations were channelled through AFAN and state governments for distribution to farmers.

He described the intervention as critical to agricultural transformation and expressed satisfaction with how beneficiaries used the support.

Bashir Jahun, assistant director of the pest control unit, Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme (BSADP), said that the programme supported farmers through training, extension services and sensitisation activities.

Mr Jahun said the programme trained farmers on proper fertiliser application, timely planting, weed control, and the identification and management of pests and diseases. He said the programme also organised a weekly agricultural stakeholders’ interaction to discuss current issues and give farmers opportunities to seek guidance.

While urging farmers to dry maize, millet, sorghum, cowpeas and groundnuts properly before storage to prevent spoilage, Mr Jahun advised them to use certified protectants to preserve grains.

(NAN)