In a move aimed at cushioning the effects of rising agricultural input costs, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has announced that the state government will sell fertiliser to farmers at a subsidised rate of N27,000 per 50kg bag, well below the procurement cost of N44,000.
Our correspondent reports that the announcement was made on Thursday during the official flag-off of the 2025 wet season farming activities held in Gombe, where the governor reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to supporting farmers across the state.
“For this year’s wet farming season, we have procured 10,000 metric tons—that is 200,000 bags—of NPK 20:10:10 fertiliser.
“Despite the high cost, we are selling each bag at N27,000, which is heavily subsidized to ease the burden on our farmers,” Yahaya said.
He emphasised that timely access to farm inputs like fertiliser is essential to boosting productivity, especially in the face of climate variability and inflationary pressures.
“As we are all aware, timely access to agricultural inputs is crucial to enhancing productivity. Today’s flag-off demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that farmers can access these inputs without delay,” he added.
To ensure that the subsidized fertiliser reaches the actual beneficiaries—particularly rural farmers—the governor disclosed that a robust monitoring mechanism had been put in place.
Yahaya added, “I have directed the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, along with security agencies and civil society organisations, to closely monitor the sales and distribution.We will not tolerate diversion or hoarding.”
He warned that any act of sabotage would be met with decisive action, noting that the integrity of the fertiliser distribution process was key to the success of the 2025 farming season.
In addition to fertiliser subsidy, Governor Yahaya highlighted broader state efforts to revolutionize agriculture, including initiatives aimed at creating jobs and improving rural livelihoods.
“We are deliberately leveraging Gombe State’s comparative advantage in agriculture to create wealth and reduce poverty. I urge our farmers to make the most of the resources and support available,” he stated.
He also took the opportunity to advise farmers to heed weather forecasts and adopt best practices to guard against natural disasters such as floods and droughts, which have become more frequent in recent years, cautioning “Take weather advisory seriously. Being proactive can save you from massive losses.”
Speaking on the sensitive issue of farmer-herder relations, the governor made a passionate appeal for peace and mutual respect between the two groups adding “I urge our farmers to respect grazing reserves and cattle routes, and our herdsmen to avoid grazing on farmlands before harvest. The government will not tolerate lawlessness.”
He reaffirmed the state government’s continued support to the Farmers/Herders Dispute Prevention and Settlement Committees, as well as to the security agencies, in mitigating conflict and ensuring peaceful coexistence in rural communities.
The ceremony ended with Governor Yahaya officially flagging off the 2025 wet season farming campaign.
“With today’s commencement of the sales of fertiliser, I now flag off the 2025 wet farming season to the glory of Allah and for the benefit of our hardworking farmers,” he declared. “May Allah bless us with sufficient rainfall, a productive season, and a bumper harvest.”
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, Dr. Barnabas Malle, praised Governor Muhammadu Yahaya for his consistent support to the agricultural sector, describing the 2025 fertiliser flag-off as “a testament to the governor’s commitment to the wellbeing of farmers in Gombe State.”
“With the cost of fertiliser in the market today, many doubted its availability this year. But thanks to His Excellency’s resilience and vision, we are witnessing it today.”
Malle highlighted key achievements under the Yahaya administration, including consistent livestock vaccination, support for farmer-herder peace committees, the refurbishment of long-abandoned tractors, and the recent groundbreaking of the 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone.
“Your Excellency, your efforts have made Gombe a model for peaceful farmer-herder relations. Other states are now seeking your approach,” he added.
He also appealed for the employment of more staff to operate critical agricultural facilities, noting that the ministry has only seven veterinary officers across the entire state.
“With the establishment of new markets, abattoirs, and farm training centres, we urgently need more hands to meet the growing demands,” he said.
