By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State on Monday launched the free distribution of 23 trucks of assorted fertilizer and other agricultural inputs to irrigation farmers across the state’s 23 local government areas, aiming to promote food security.

Speaking during the ceremony in Wamakko town, the governor highlighted the state’s previous support to farmers during the rainy season, which included:

45,366 bags of NPK fertilizer

24,264 bags of Urea

20,664 liters of agrochemicals

20,000 kg each of rice, sorghum, and millet seeds

In addition, youths and women’s groups received 1,000 water pumps, 23 multipurpose threshers, 3,000 tomato grinding machines, and 58 rice threshers free of charge.

“For dry season farming, each of the 23 local government areas will receive three trucks of assorted fertilizer, ensuring improved agricultural output and creating job opportunities for our youth, especially at the grassroots level,” the governor stated.

He also announced that: The Kware Irrigation Scheme, covering 450 hectares, has been completed and will soon be allocated to farmers.

Work has started on the Wurno Irrigation Scheme, and the rehabilitation of the Lugu Dam is underway.

The governor urged civil servants, businesspeople, youths, and other residents to take advantage of these opportunities in agriculture, emphasizing the state’s partnerships with national and international organizations to develop the sector.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to: Diversifying revenue sources

Ensuring food security

Providing farm inputs such as machinery, fertilizer, seeds, and agrochemicals

He also emphasized the promotion of cash crop production, particularly cotton and groundnut, and extended gratitude to development partners, including the World Bank, Federal CARES Support Unit, and the National Fadama Coordination Office.

Governor Aliyu warned against the mismanagement or diversion of agricultural inputs, vowing decisive action against offenders. “I urge all involved to act with integrity and ensure that the benefits of this initiative reach the intended beneficiaries,” he said.