Zulum launches 50% subsidised fertiliser scheme, free farm inputs for 120,000 Borno farmers

….Announces ₦500m Cash Support for Vulnerable Residents in Five LGAs

By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has flagged off the 2026 wet farming season with the launch of a 50 per cent subsidised fertiliser scheme and the distribution of free agricultural inputs to 120,000 smallholder farmers across the state.

The programme includes the sale of 200 truckloads of NPK fertiliser at half the prevailing market price, alongside the distribution of free agrochemicals, certified seeds, knapsack sprayers, water pumps, bicycles and post-harvest storage facilities to boost food production and improve farmers’ livelihoods.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the Kwaya Kusar Main Stadium, Zulum said the intervention was aimed at strengthening agriculture, enhancing food and nutrition security, creating jobs and improving the socio-economic wellbeing of residents.

He explained that the initiative covers the entire agricultural value chain, including mechanisation services, irrigation development, fertiliser and improved seed distribution, agrochemical support, extension services, harvesting, post-harvest storage, agro-processing, market access and agricultural financing, particularly for women and youths.

According to the governor, the state procured 200 truckloads of high-quality NPK fertiliser for the programme, representing a significant increase from the 75 truckloads distributed during the previous farming season.

Beyond fertiliser, the state will distribute 40,000 litres of agrochemicals, 5,000 water pumps, 5,000 knapsack sprayers, 10,000 bicycles and other essential farm inputs free of charge to more than 120,000 profiled farmers.

Zulum said Kwaya Kusar was selected for the statewide launch because of its strategic importance as one of Borno’s major agricultural hubs and its vast farming potential.

He warned beneficiaries against diverting or reselling the subsidised fertiliser, stressing that the products were meant solely for crop production.

“The fertilisers being distributed are strictly for agricultural production. They are not for resale, diversion or hoarding. Every beneficiary must ensure they are used for the intended purpose,” he said.

The governor also announced a ₦500 million cash support package for vulnerable persons, women and youths across Biu, Hawul, Kwaya Kusar, Shani and Bayo Local Government Areas to strengthen livelihoods and stimulate economic activities.

Zulum commended President Bola Tinubu for the Federal Government’s continued support to states, saying it had enabled sub-national governments to implement more people-centred development programmes.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Bawu Musami, said Borno was steadily emerging as one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural states through sustained investments in the sector.

He listed the state’s interventions to include subsidised and free fertiliser programmes, mechanisation services, extension services, improved seeds, irrigation infrastructure, solar-powered water pumps, agrochemicals, agricultural assets and post-harvest processing facilities.

Also speaking, the Senator representing Borno South, Mohammed Ali Ndume, called for the revival of the state’s annual agricultural show to provide farmers with a platform to showcase their produce and promote agricultural innovation.

The event was attended by senior government officials, members of the Borno State House of Assembly, traditional rulers, local government chairmen, APC leaders and other stakeholders.