Governor Lawal Distributes Free Fertilizer, Chemicals To Zamfara Farmers

News in Brief:

—Zamfara State has launched its 2026 wet-season agricultural support programme, distributing 72,000 bags of fertiliser, herbicides and other farm assets to farmers across all 14 LGAs.

—The initiative is part of efforts to modernise agriculture, improve food security, increase rural incomes and strengthen climate-resilient farming.

The Zamfara State Government has launched its 2026 wet-season agricultural support programme, distributing 72,000 bags of fertiliser, 200,000 litres of herbicides and a range of farm equipment to farmers across the state's 14 local government areas.

The programme forms part of the state's efforts to strengthen food security, increase agricultural productivity and improve rural livelihoods.

Statewide Distribution Targets Farmers

According to a statement by the Governor's spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the intervention includes 72,000 bags of fertiliser, 200,000 litres of herbicides and 100 crop residue crushers.

The government is also distributing 100 grass choppers, 100 feed milling machines, improved pasture seeds, 20 motorcycles and 20 mobile phones for agricultural extension agents.

Under the distribution plan, each of the state's 147 political wards will receive 340 bags of fertiliser, while each of the 14 local government areas will be allocated 8,000 litres of herbicides.

Lawal Reaffirms Commitment to Agricultural Growth

Speaking at the launch, Governor Dauda Lawal described agriculture as the foundation of Zamfara's economy and a critical tool for promoting inclusive growth, reducing poverty and improving security.

He said the state was committed to restoring its agricultural heritage by moving beyond subsistence farming to a more productive, technology-driven and market-oriented system.

According to the governor, the government aims to improve farmers' productivity through better access to quality inputs, mechanisation, irrigation, extension services, climate-smart farming practices and stronger market linkages.

Lawal added that improving agricultural productivity would help position Zamfara as one of Nigeria's leading agricultural hubs.

Government Highlights Ongoing Agricultural Investments

The governor said the renewed support reflects deliberate government investment in the sector rather than policy commitments alone.

He noted that the state has strengthened collaboration with the Federal Government, development partners, and international organisations while meeting counterpart funding obligations to access key agricultural interventions.

According to him, programmes including FADAMA III, NG-CARES, SPIN, ZACADEP, the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme and IFAD-supported projects have expanded farmers' access to improved seeds, fertilisers, agrochemicals, irrigation facilities, farm machinery and modern agricultural practices.

Lawal said these interventions are helping to expand cultivated land, improve household incomes and build a more competitive and climate-resilient agricultural sector.

Focus on Mechanisation and Youth Participation

The governor also highlighted the state's focus on agricultural mechanisation, innovation and private sector investment to make farming more attractive, particularly to young people.

He cited the Zamfara State Agriculture Hub in Kwatarkwashi, Bungudu Local Government Area, as one of the state's flagship projects supporting agricultural transformation.

Lawal added that improving security has enabled more communities to return to farming, with increasing numbers of farmlands being cultivated as displaced families rebuild their livelihoods.

He said the government's responsibility is to sustain that recovery by providing farmers with the support, infrastructure and enabling environment needed to increase production and strengthen food security.