Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has launched the distribution of 72,000 bags of fertiliser and other agricultural inputs to farmers across the state as part of efforts to boost food production and restore the state’s agricultural economy.
The intervention, which includes fertilisers, chemicals and farming equipment, is aimed at supporting farmers during the 2026 wet season, reducing production costs and improving food security across Zamfara’s 14 local government areas.
The distribution comes amid renewed efforts by northern states to strengthen agriculture as a response to rising food prices, insecurity and the need to create sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.
The governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, saying the state government distributed more than 120 trucks of agricultural inputs during the launch held at the Trade Fair Complex in Gusau.
According to the statement, the programme includes 72,000 bags of fertiliser, 200,000 litres of herbicides, 100 crop residue crushers, 100 grass choppers, 100 feed milling machines, improved pasture seeds, 20 motorcycles and 20 mobile phones for agricultural extension agents.
Governor Lawal said the intervention was part of his administration’s commitment to repositioning Zamfara as a major agricultural hub.
“Today’s event marks another significant milestone in our commitment to revitalising agriculture, strengthening food security, creating sustainable livelihoods, supporting our farmers, and repositioning Zamfara State as a major contributor to Nigeria’s agricultural economy.”
He said agriculture remained central to the state’s economy and could play a role in reducing poverty, banditry and other social challenges affecting communities.
“Farming is the main livelihood and a key to inclusive growth and sustainable development, helping to fight poverty, banditry, and crime.”
The governor said his administration was working to transform farming from subsistence agriculture into a productive, technology-driven and market-oriented sector through improved inputs, mechanisation, irrigation and extension services.
“Our goal is to restore and expand Zamfara’s farming legacy by shifting from subsistence to productive, tech-driven, market-oriented agriculture.”
Lawal added that the return of peace to some communities had allowed more farmers to return to their fields, stressing that government support remained necessary to sustain the progress.
“As peace returns, more communities are reopening, more farmlands are under cultivation, and more families are rebuilding their livelihoods.”
The governor said the state had strengthened partnerships with the Federal Government, development organisations and international partners through programmes such as FADAMA III, NG-CARES, SPIN, ZACADEP, SAPZ and IFAD-supported initiatives.
He added that the interventions had provided farmers with improved seeds, fertilisers, agrochemicals, irrigation facilities and modern farming knowledge to increase productivity.
The distribution will cover all 147 political wards in Zamfara State, with each ward receiving 340 bags of fertiliser, while each local government area will receive 8,000 litres of herbicides.
The initiative is part of wider efforts by northern states to expand agricultural production, improve rural livelihoods and address food insecurity through increased investment in farming.
