Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has flagged off the distribution of 59,205 bags of fertiliser to farmers across the state, in a major step to strengthen the agricultural sector ahead of the 2025 wet farming season.
Speaking at the launch ceremony held in Gusau on Wednesday, the governor also commissioned the new Fadama House within the Ministry of Agriculture complex. The move is part of a broader plan aimed at revitalising agriculture, which remains the backbone of Zamfara’s economy.
According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, 98 trucks of fertiliser have been mobilised for immediate distribution to farmers. In addition to fertiliser, other agricultural inputs released include 34,800 kilograms of rice seeds, 80,000 kilograms of maize seeds, 23,740 litres of herbicides, 11,735 litres of insecticides, and 23,470 sachets of seed dressing chemicals.
Governor Lawal described the programme as a critical investment in food security, rural livelihoods, and economic development. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritising agriculture not only as a sector but as a symbol of identity and self-reliance for the people of Zamfara.
“Agriculture remains the lifeblood of our economy,” the governor said. “It is more than a source of income it defines who we are. With over 85 percent of our people engaged in farming, supporting them is not just policy, it’s a moral obligation.”
He emphasized that the programme aligns with the state’s agricultural transformation plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2, which aims to end hunger and promote sustainable agriculture. The governor also addressed the impact of climate change and the delayed start of the 2025 rainy season, noting that his government has proactively responded by providing vital farming inputs.
Efforts have also been made to prevent diversion and ensure transparency in the distribution process. According to Lawal, the entire exercise has been digitised to ensure the inputs reach genuine farmers at the right time.
Beyond distribution, the state government is pushing for long-term reforms in the agricultural sector. These include promotion of mechanisation, enhanced extension services, improved access to agro-processing facilities, and stronger links to markets.
“We understand the challenges farmers face access to inputs, finance, market instability, and climate-related risks. Our interventions are designed to support them from planting to post-harvest,” he said.
Governor Lawal also urged beneficiaries to use the materials responsibly. “These inputs are not for sale. They are tools of productivity, not commodities for quick gain. Use them to grow your farms, feed your families, and strengthen your communities,” he stated.
The initiative, he confirmed, will benefit 59,205 smallholder farmers across the state, reinforcing the administration’s focus on inclusive economic growth, especially for women, youth, and persons with special needs.
The event was attended by government officials, traditional rulers, farmer cooperatives, and development partners, marking the formal start of the 2025 wet season farming campaign in Zamfara.
