BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, JULY 03, 2025 | 05:45 PM

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has flagged off the sale of fertiliser and free distribution of farm inputs with a special focus on women, youth, and smallholder farmers across the state.

The exercise, which took place on Saturday at the Fertiliser Blending Company, Farm Centre in Maiduguri, marks the beginning of the 2025 wet season farming and Firgi farming initiative.

The governor announced a 50% subsidy on all 75 trucks of fertiliser for farmers, including women, young people, and returnees in resettled communities across Borno’s 27 local government areas.

'I have approved the sales of the fertilisers at a subsidised rate of 50 percent, a strategic decision to make them affordable, accessible, and impactful,' Gov. Zulum said.

'This decision is anchored in our broader agricultural policy under Pillar Two of the 25-Year Development Plan and 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative.'

The subsidy is expected to significantly boost access to fertiliser among young farmers and women—many of whom are striving to rebuild their lives after years of displacement caused by insurgency.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Engr. Bawu Musami, noted that the state’s agricultural interventions have already begun yielding results, particularly among youth and women farmers in resettled communities.

'Over 12,000 smallholder farmers, including women and youth in Baga and Monguno, received support from the State Government, and their cowpea harvests alone generated over N3.1 billion in value,' Musami said.

'This shows the capacity of our people, especially women and young people, to lead in our agricultural revival.'

To prevent misuse, the governor announced strict security measures to track the distribution and use of fertilisers, particularly in high-risk areas.

Wet Blend fertilisers, liquid-based and less prone to diversion, will be distributed in areas facing heightened security challenges, while Dry Blend fertilisers will be deployed in relatively secure zones.

'We are acutely aware that fertilisers, particularly certain components, can be exploited for illegitimate and criminal uses,' Gov. Zulum warned.

'Henceforth, all fertilisers will be strictly tracked by batch, source and destination… Anyone caught diverting, hoarding, or illegally reselling these fertilisers will face the full wrath of the law.'

Traditional rulers and community leaders have been tasked with monitoring the distribution process in their respective areas, ensuring that the inputs reach only genuine farmers.

The governor reaffirmed that his administration will continue to invest in agriculture not only as a means of livelihood restoration but as a vehicle for peace, security, and economic stability.

'Agriculture remains a pillar of peace and progress. And food security is national security,' he emphasized.

'This administration will stop at nothing to empower our farmers, protect our communities and rebuild our local economy through the transformative power of agriculture.'

The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the federal ministry of agriculture, and development partners for their continued support to Borno State’s agricultural sector.

Calls were also made by the agriculture commissioner to reactivate the state’s fertiliser plant and institutionalize a dedicated Agricultural Development Trust Fund to sustain and expand the gains recorded.

As the 2025 wet season commences, thousands of women and youth across Borno now have renewed hope of cultivating their lands and contributing to the state’s journey toward food security and economic recovery.