Gombe pegs fertilizer sale at N7,500
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
Gombe State Governor, Muhammad Yahaya, has announced N7,500 as sale of NPK 15:15 fertilizer, from current N9,600 the agricultural input is sold.
He made this disclosure on Friday, during the commencement of NPK 15:15 sales and distribution in the state to farmers, cooperative societies.
According to him, government has reduced about 2,100 from the actual cost in the market.
Recall that the state suffered set back in the purchase of urea, which would have been used to produce NPK 20: 10:10, but for the delay the blending plant operational in the state was calibrated to produce NPK 15:15 which is farmers delight.
He said, “Last year, we subsidized by N2,000 this year again by what we said we are subsidizing by N2,100 instead of N9,600 in the market, we have reduced our price to N7,500 and we will ensure we supply to our people in the grassroots, the unit level.”
The governor added that the blending plant had been moribund for years prior to his government’s intervention, stressing that with the optimum utilization of the plant productivity of farmers would be better enhanced.
“Since 2019, I realized that this plant had been abandoned for 19 years. We thought it necessary for us to supply the people at the right price and the right quality at the right time. So, we needed to restore production in this plant.
“We worked together with a private company that is committed to doing this that is TAK-Agro and today, you can see what we have achieved. I have always told the people that whatever that is owned by government is their own they must make sure it works and they maintain it.
“We will continue to work together with this company to improve productivity of our farmers, and for states not producing we will supply them,” Yahaya said.
Speaking earlier, Commissioner for Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Muhammad Gettado said the state is committed in ensuring food security.
Gettado noted that this would be achieved with continuous support for the current administration.
He said, “I wish to call on the teeming farmers of Gombe State to support His Excellency’s vision and mission in order to bring about sustainable agricultural development in the state as the government is committed to revitalizing the agricultural sector to ensure food security and wealth creation for its citizenry.
“To ensure effective sales and distribution of fertilizer this season, the ministry has made adequate preparation so that the fertilizer reaches the farming populace of the state at the grassroots. We therefore, wish to assure His Excellency, the ministry’s readiness to work with the state fertilizer distribution committee towards effective sales and distribution of fertilizer for this farming season.”
While lauding the impact of the current administration, Gettado revealed that the Yahaya led administration has transformed the agriculture sector.
“There is no doubt that under your leadership, agriculture is regaining its rightful position in the economy of Gombe State and indeed Nigeria. Timely procurement and distribution of fertilizer to Gombe State farmers since the inception of this administration.
“Reactivation and sustenance of annual animal vaccination of cattle, sheep and goats that has long been forgotten.
“The lease of fertilizer blending company to capable company (TAK-Agro & chemicals Ltd), which produced this year’s fertilizer and will not only produce for Gombe State but will extend to other states, thereby generating revenue and employment to the state. Producing 18 trucks per day, “Gettado added.
Also, State Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Dr. Musa Inuwa said through the partnership of Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Japan International cooperation farm inputs have been distributed.
Inuwa said, “Only this Wednesday to Thursday 14th and 15th July, 2021 distributed farm inputs (fertilizer, rice seed, herbicides, pesticides and Soil Amender) to 150 registered small holder rice farmers in Gombe State at no cost to the farmers with each beneficiary getting; four bags of NPK 20:10:10, two bags of urea, one bag of 50kg certified rice seed (faro 44).
“Others are; five litres of herbicides (2-4D), four litres of insecticides, one litre of soil Amender.”
On his part, Danjuma Abdulkadir, Managing Director of TAK-Agro chemicals Ltd said the company had commenced a 24 hour production geared towards ensuring that the state becomes the hub of fertilizer in the region.
Abdulkadir added that efforts have been geared towards providing the needs of farmers.