The Bauchi State Government has reduced the price of fertiliser (NPK 20:10:10) from N35,000 to N20,000, a 42.8% cut, to make it more affordable and accessible for farmers across the state.
Governor Bala Mohammed announced the subsidy at the weekend during the flag-off of the 2025 wet season farm input distribution at Gajin Duguri.
He described agriculture as a vital pillar of the state’s economy and encouraged more youths to embrace farming, assuring them of continued government support.
In a bold move to promote food security, the governor revealed that civil servants on Grade Level 12 and below would now enjoy two days off weekly to engage in farming activities.
“Last year, we provided farm inputs to civil servants on loan, and I must commend their honesty in repayment,” he noted.
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Governor Mohammed also disclosed plans to invest about N45 billion in strengthening the state’s fertiliser blending plant, in partnership with Moroccan agro-industrial giant OCP.
The upgraded facility is projected to produce 45 tonnes of fertiliser per hour.
To further aid mechanised farming, the government has procured 20 tractors already distributed across the 20 local government areas, with an additional 40 to be made available to farmers on loan later this year.
The governor added that soil samples have been collected statewide to determine the most appropriate fertiliser blends and crop choices, as part of a broader scientific approach to boost yields.
He also announced that 1,000 youths have been deployed for training in modern agricultural techniques, with plans to engage more in collaboration with the federal government and willing NGOs.