By Kamilu Lawal, Katsina.
The Katsina State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture has commended Governor Dikko Umaru Radda for the timely distribution of fertiliser at subsidised rates to farmers, describing the move as critical to boosting agricultural productivity.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Abubakar Suleiman Tunas, gave the commendation during the official launch of fertiliser sales for the 2026 rainy season farming in Malumfashi Local Government Area, where he represented the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Nasiru Yahaya Daura.
Tunas said the early release of the commodity, coupled with its affordability, would provide the needed support for farmers ahead of the farming season.
He noted that the intervention would serve as a morale booster, enabling farmers to increase cultivation and enhance food production across the state.
The committee chairman also praised the government for ensuring widespread distribution of the fertiliser, stressing that the strategy would improve access for genuine farmers at the grassroots.
He, however, cautioned beneficiaries against diverting the product for sale in the open market.
Tunas further assured that the committee would monitor the distribution process at ward level to ensure transparency and accountability.
Governor Radda, who flagged off the exercise, said 400,000 bags of fertiliser, equivalent to 20,000 metric tonnes, had been approved for distribution across the state.
He explained that the fertiliser would be sold at a subsidised rate of ₦25,000 per bag, about half the prevailing market price, to ease access for farmers and boost output.
The governor said the initiative, now in its third consecutive year, reflects his administration’s commitment to prioritising agriculture as a driver of economic growth.
According to him, distribution has been decentralised to all 361 wards through the Community Development Programme to ensure that genuine farmers benefit directly.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Aliyu Lawal Shargalle, said the initiative would enhance food production and strengthen the state’s economy.
Some farmers who spoke at the event expressed appreciation to the government, noting that the timely and subsidised fertiliser would significantly improve crop yields and help address food insecurity.
The launch marks the commencement of fertiliser distribution for the 2026 rainy season farming in Katsina State.
