The Kano State government has purchased N6. 2 billion worth of fertiliser for distribution to farmers to boost agriculture production in the state.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Danjuma Mahmoud, disclosed this while addressing journalists on Tuesday in Kano.

Mr Mahmoud said 52 trucks loaded with fertiliser worth N1.2 billion had already been distributed free of charge to farmers in the 44 local government areas.

He said that the state government had procured 180 trucks of fertiliser worth N5 billion for distribution to farmers at a 50 per cent discount rate.

The commissioner said the commodity was purchased from the Kano State Agricultural Supply Company but “re-tooled” for maximum production.

He said that 440 trained extension workers were deployed to the 44 local government areas of the state to enlighten farmers on the new improved seeds and farm inputs.

He said that the government had commenced massive clearing of lands to ensure improved farming activities in the state during the cropping season.

The commissioner said that 1,299 acres of land were set aside at Dansoshiya Bush to boost irrigation farming in the state.

According to him, the state government is desilting 20 dams, including the Kafinchiri dam to boost irrigation farming in the state.

He explained that the state government had embarked on construction of rural roads for easy evacuation of farm produce after harvest.

He stated, “After cultivating and harvesting the crops, there is also the need to use good roads to evacuate the produce to their various destinations, including the houses and markets,.’’

(NAN)