Gov Bala pledges available, affordable farming inputs, pegs fertilizer price at N20,000
By Samuel Luka, Bauchi
In his administration’s resolve to ensure food security, Bauchi state Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed has pledged availability of fertilizer and other farming inputs for farmers.
Bala Mohammed made the pledge while flagging-off this year’s farming season and sales of fertilizer at a subsidized amount of N20,000 per bag of 50kg NPK in Dass local government area of the state on Saturday.
He stressed that the Bauchi state government under his care has taken steps to ensure the availability and affordability of the much needed farming inputs for farmers.
He added that the reduction in the price of the fertilizer compared to market price is expected to make the product more accessible to farmers which would in turn, lead to increased productivity and food security.
He said, in order to further boost agricultural activities in the state, the government has made available 60 new tractors and modern farming machines.
According to the Governor, such huge investment in mechanized farming will enable farmers to increase their yield, reduce labor costs, and improve efficiency as well as address food insecurity.
The Governor added that, apart from the provision of modern farming equipment, his administration has also initiated financial support for selected farmers’ cooperative societies across the state.
“This initiative aims to empower farmers, enhance their productivity, and improve their livelihoods”, Bala Mohammed said.
Earlier in his address, the state commissioner for agriculture, Prof. Simon Madugu Yelams, assured that the ministry has taken effective measures to ensure the availability of fertilizer in all strategic locations.
Professor Yalams said further that the move will enable farmers to access the product without difficulties, promoting agricultural productivity and food security.