Nasarawa government commences sale of subsidized fertilizers to farmers

Nasarawa State Government has commenced sales of subsidized assorted fertilizer to farmers in the state.Governor Tanko Almakura of Nasarawa gave the hint during the flag-off on Wednesday in Lafia.

Al-Makura said the gesture was aimed at ensuring bumper harvest in this year cropping season.He added that his administration decided to boost the number of fertilizers to be sold to farmers from 137 trucks in 2017 to 150 trucks in 2018.He called on farmers in the state to purchase fertilizers in the headquarters of the respective Local Government and Development Areas.

“The sale of fertilizer this year is N4,000. This year, we made available 90,000 bags at a subsidized rate and sale is decentralised to ensure easy access by farmers.“Committees are also set up under the supervision of the LG Chairmen and Overseers of Development Areas to ensure accountability and transparency in the process,” he added.He however warned that the government would deal with anyone caught diverting fertilizer no matter his status.

Earlier, Jameel Zakari, Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, assured farmers that there are enough fertilizers to meet their needs.He said the ministry will not tolerate request for fertilizer from anybody adding that, ‘fertilizer would be sold directly to the farmers and not through middle men’.He however revealed that the state government through the ministry has set machinery in place to monitor the process in order ensure adherence to the governor’s directive.

Responding, IshaqMauzu, State Chairman of all Farmers Association expressed gratitude to the gesture.He however, appealed to the Governor to reduce the price from N4, 000 to N3, 000 respectively.