By Abubakar Rabilu Gombe
The Chairman of Shongom Local Government Area of Gombe State, Modi D. Shelpidi, has flagged off the sale of government-subsidised fertiliser in the area, with each bag selling for ₦32,000, as part of efforts to support farmers and boost food production.
Speaking at the commencement of the exercise, Shelpidi said the initiative, introduced by the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, is aimed at improving farmers’ access to affordable farm inputs, increasing agricultural productivity and enhancing food security across the state.
He urged genuine farmers in the local government to take advantage of the subsidy to maximise crop yields during the current farming season.
The chairman described agriculture as the backbone of Shongom’s economy, assuring that the council would continue to support programmes and policies that improve farmers’ livelihoods and strengthen the agricultural sector.
Shelpidi commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for the intervention, describing it as timely and a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to easing the burden on farmers amid the rising cost of agricultural inputs.
The chairman assured that the distribution process would be transparent and fair, stressing that only genuine farmers would benefit from the government intervention
Some beneficiaries who spoke during the flag-off expressed appreciation to the state government for making fertiliser available at an affordable price.
One of the beneficiaries, Malam Adamu Usman from Filiya, said the subsidy would enable many smallholder farmers to cultivate larger portions of land this season.
Another farmer, Hajiya Amina Ibrahim of Boh, described the initiative as a major relief, noting that the high cost of fertiliser had posed a serious challenge to farmers in recent years.
Similarly, Malam Musa Sale from Burak thanked Governor Inuwa Yahaya and the Shongom Local Government chairman for ensuring that genuine farmers benefited from the programme, expressing optimism that the intervention would translate into higher food production..
