By Salejo Ali, Kano
The Kano state Government has unveiled the distribution of free fertilizer to smallholder farmers across the state.
The fertilizer produced by Kano Agricultural Supply Company (KASCO) and procured by the state government is worth over one billion naira where females and People with Disabilities are among the beneficiaries.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf while flagging off the agric input disbursement explained that, the intention was to reduce cost of production and boost food security.
The Governor stressed that farmers already battling with high cost of inputs and labour occasioned by economic reality, now have cause to redouble energy to multiply their produces.
He emphasized on the government readiness to sustain food production through regular production and supply of fertilizer production by the state owned company (KASCO).
Governor Yusuf said KASCO and other state manufacturering centres are being strengthening to revertilise revenue flow and sustain the economy of the economy of the state.
Governor Yusuf had during his campaign activities towards 2023 elections promised to champion Agricultural transformation through provision of quality and affordable Agricultural inputs as contained in his 70 page blueprint presented to the good people of Kano tittled “My Commitment for Kano”.
The state executive council had also approved the procurement of over five billion naira worth fertilizers that will soon be made available to Kano farmers at subsidized rate.
The beneficiaries are expected to receive 25kg of NPK fertilizer to support thier farming activities and eventually boost the yeild of thier crops and improve livelihood of the people.
The Governor mandated the Kano Project Protection Association (Kano-PRO-PA) to ensure adherence to the distribution guidelines intended for smallholder farmers.
“Any government official found diverting this fertilizer will be dealt with severely.
“We will not tolerate corruption. This gesture is meant for real farmers,” the Governor warned.
In his remark the Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, emphasized the importance of fairness in the distribution exercise to achieve the set goals and objectives.
He noted that the gesture was timely, as the Emirate has received reports from District Heads about the high price of fertilizer impeding farming during the 2024 rainy season, potentially causing food shortages.
He urged farmers to judiciously utilize the given resources.
The Emir also called on well-to-do individuals, philanthropists, and those capable in society to empower farmers with inputs and aid the needy during these trying times.
He commended the Kano State Government under the leadership of Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf for initiating people-oriented projects aimed at uplifting the standard of living of Kano’s populace.
Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II prayed for peace, unity, stability, prosperity, and economic development in the state and beyond.
Details of the fertilizer disbursement is contained in a press statement by the Governor’s spokesperson Sanusi Bature.
