Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has officially launched the 2025 farming season with a bold package of agricultural reforms aimed at improving food security, empowering farmers, and positioning the state as a major food-producing hub in Nigeria.
The launch ceremony, which took place on Saturday, June 28, in Gajin Duguri, Alkaleri Local Government Area, attracted dignitaries from within and outside the state, including traditional rulers, government officials, and representatives of farmers’ associations.
Governor Mohammed, in his address, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making agriculture the engine of economic growth and rural development. He announced the commencement of subsidized fertilizer sales, fixing the price of NPK 20:10:10 at N20,000 per bag, a significant reduction aimed at making inputs affordable for farmers.
To ensure availability, he noted that sufficient quantities had already been produced through the Bauchi State Fertilizer Blending Plant to meet demand across the 20 local government areas.
In a further boost to mechanized farming, the governor disclosed plans to distribute tractors to all LGAs, stating that access to modern equipment would ease the burden on farmers and increase output.
Governor Mohammed also revealed that 1,000 youths trained in various agricultural skills would be given financial support to start their own farming ventures. Additionally, he approved two days of farming leave per week for civil servants on Grade Level 12 and below, to encourage broader participation in farming activities.
He warned against any attempt to divert fertilizers or inputs meant for genuine farmers, stressing that accountability and fair distribution were critical to the success of the programme.
The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Bauchi, Yusuf Sambo, praised the governor’s commitment to agricultural development, assuring of the association’s full support.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Agriculture, represented by the Commissioner for Livestock Development, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to providing inputs and support services for farmers since 2019.
In a goodwill message, the Emir of Dass, Alhaji Usman Bilyaminu Othman, expressed the continued support of the traditional institution for the state’s agricultural revolution.
