By Shuaibu Ibrahim, Gusau
Governor Dauda Lawal has launched the 2026 wet-season farming support programme in Zamfara State with the distribution of over 72,000 bags of fertiliser and other agricultural inputs to farmers across the state.
The programme, flagged off on Friday at the Trade Fair Complex in Gusau, also includes the distribution of more than 120 truckloads of fertiliser, 200,000 litres of herbicides, and 100 crop residue crushers.
Other items provided by the state government are 100 grass choppers, 100 feed milling machines, improved pasture seeds, 20 motorcycles, and 20 mobile phones for agricultural extension workers.
Speaking at the launch, Governor Lawal described agriculture as the backbone of Zamfara’s economy and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalising the sector to enhance food security, create jobs, and improve rural livelihoods.
He said the state possesses vast fertile land and hardworking farmers, stressing that agriculture remains central to economic growth, poverty reduction, and the restoration of peace in communities affected by insecurity.
The governor said his administration is determined to transform agriculture from subsistence farming to a modern, technology-driven and market-oriented sector through improved access to farm inputs, mechanisation, irrigation, extension services, climate-smart farming practices, and better market opportunities.
Lawal noted that the government’s efforts are backed by strategic partnerships with the Federal Government and development agencies through programmes such as FADAMA III, NG-CARES, SPIN, ZACADEP, SAPZ, and IFAD-supported projects.
According to him, the interventions have enabled thousands of farmers to benefit from improved seeds, fertilisers, agrochemicals, irrigation facilities, farming equipment, and modern agricultural techniques.
He added that the state is also promoting mechanisation, innovation, and private sector investment to make agriculture more productive and attractive, particularly for young people.
The governor said the fertilisers and farm inputs would be distributed across all 147 political wards in the state’s 14 local government areas, with each ward receiving 340 bags of fertiliser, while each local government area would receive 8,000 litres of herbicides.