The Katsina State government has procured 350,000 bags of assorted fertilisers for sale to genuine farmers at subsidised prices in the 2024 cropping season.

The chairman of Daura Local Government Area, Bala Musa, stated this on Monday while inaugurating the sale of the commodity in Daura.

Mr Musa said each of the 6,652 polling units in the 34 local governments of the state would get 45 bags.

”The balance of the fertilisers will be distributed to other stakeholders to engage in agriculture so as to boost food production,” he said.

Mr Musa said 50 kg of urea fertiliser, which was sold for N39,000 in the open market, would be sold for N25,000.

“And a bag of 50 kg of NPK fertiliser, which now goes for N45,000, will also be sold for N25,000,” he added.

Mr Musa commended Governor Dikko Radda for the invaluable initiative that would alleviate the suffering of the farmers.

The chairman said, “By reducing the cost of fertilisers, farmers are now able to invest more in their crops, leading to increased productivity and expected higher yields.”

He urged the farmers to make proper use of the fertilisers and desist from reselling the desperately needed commodity.

Also, the ‘Sarkin Noman Daura’, Nuradden Hassan, said, ”This thoughtful decision reflects a deep understanding of the challenges faced in the agricultural sector.”

According to him, better access to essential farming inputs like fertilisers will greatly improve food security in the state and Nigeria.

“The farmers can focus on innovation and efficiency, ultimately driving the sector towards greater resilience and prosperity,” Mr Hassan said.

One of the beneficiaries, Zailani Daura, urged the state government to sustain the commendable programme, stating, “It should also consider expanding it to ensure that more farmers benefit from the gesture.”

(NAN)