Although farmers accessed government-supplied fertiliser at N45,000 per bag during the last wet season, improved security at the time enabled increased agricultural production. A farmer in Kankia Local Government Area, Usman Abdul, described the government’s decision to sell fertiliser at N25,000 as a huge relief to many farmers. However, he raised concerns over the resurgence of banditry in some areas, which may hinder farmers’ activities.

“We farmers are indeed happy because we will access fertiliser at a lower price than in any other state. Last wet season, it was sold at N45,000, and now it will be N25,000. What is worrying us, however, is the return of banditry in some parts of the state.

This could affect farming activities if not addressed promptly,” he said. The Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Aliyu Lawal Shargalle, said the State Executive Council had approved the procurement of 20,000 metric tonnes, which is equivalent to 400,000 bags of assorted fertilisers, including NPK 20:10:10, NPK 15:15:15, and urea, for the 2026 wet season.

He added that the fertiliser would be sold at subsidised rates to enable grassroots farmers to access the inputs. “This intervention is aimed at ensuring the timely availability of quality farm inputs at subsidised rates, as part of the government’s efforts to boost productivity, enhance food security, and improve the livelihoods of rural communities across Katsina State,” he said. Meanwhile, the Katsina State Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Alhaji Yau Umar Gwajo-Gwajo, said the association, in collaboration with the state government, had developed a distribution strategy to ensure transparency, accountability, and effectiveness.

He explained that the distribution would cover all wards, ensuring that only genuine farmers benefit from the intervention. Gwajo-Gwajo also disclosed that the association had raised concerns over the rising cases of banditry, adding that the government had assured farmers of improved security to enable them to farm and return home safely. He further revealed that the state government had also procured certified seeds to be distributed to farmers as part of its efforts in ensuring a boost in the agricultural sector for sustainable food security.

“Katsina farmers have never had it this good in preparation for the wet season. As an association, we are satisfied with the measures put in place and are committed to ensuring that farmers utilise these interventions effectively,” he said.