From John Bassey, Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government has flagged off the free distribution of agricultural inputs to about 120,000 farmers across the state ahead of the 2026 wet farming season, as part of efforts to boost food production and strengthen climate-resilient agriculture.
The intervention, according to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Comrade Ahmed Idris, comprises 110 truckloads of fertiliser and 100 metric tonnes of improved seeds to enhance agricultural productivity and food security.
Governor Nasir Idris officially launched the exercise in Birnin Kebbi, assuring that the inputs would be distributed free of charge exclusively to verified farmers.
He explained that the programme is being implemented under the Climate Change Adaptation Seed Support Programme and the Kaura Agricultural Development Agenda (KADAGE) to reduce production costs, improve food security, and help farmers adapt to the effects of climate change.
Describing agriculture as the backbone of Kebbi State’s economy, the governor noted that over 80 per cent of the state’s population depends on farming for its livelihood.
He said the intervention was in response to the growing threats posed by erratic rainfall, prolonged dry spells, flooding, and increasing pest infestations, which continue to affect crop yields and food production.
“This support will help farmers manage climate risks, reduce production costs, and farm with greater confidence during the 2026 rainy season,” Idris said.
To ensure transparency and prevent diversion, the governor disclosed that about 6,000 metric tonnes of NPK fertiliser would be distributed through the state’s 3,743 polling units.
He also announced the release of 100 metric tonnes of drought-tolerant and early-maturing millet and rice seeds under the third phase of the Climate Change Adaptation Seed Support Programme.
According to him, the seed varieties were carefully selected by agricultural experts because of their resilience to unpredictable weather conditions and their capacity to produce higher yields.
Idris said the input distribution forms part of the broader KADAGE initiative aimed at increasing agricultural productivity, improving farmers’ incomes, and ensuring sustainable food production.
He listed other components of the programme to include the distribution of 5,000 power tillers and other farm implements, the revival of the subsidised tractor-hire scheme, and the expansion of irrigation farming.
“So far, the state has distributed over 15,000 solar-powered water pumps, 20,000 petrol-powered pumps, and 10,000 LPG-powered pumps. We are also participating in the SPIN project to reduce dependence on rainfall,” he said.
The governor added that more agricultural extension workers had been deployed to promote climate-smart farming practices across rural communities, while security agencies had been directed to strengthen the protection of farmlands.
He warned beneficiaries against selling or diverting the farm inputs, stressing that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted.
Idris also urged farmers to use the inputs in line with the guidance of agricultural extension officers and called on traditional and community leaders to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability throughout the distribution process.
The governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for agricultural development in the state and commended development partners for their contributions to the sector.
Speaking at the event, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, said the government had constituted an annual fertiliser distribution committee comprising commissioners, lawmakers, special advisers, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and security agencies.
He said the committee was mandated to ensure transparent and equitable distribution across the state’s 225 wards and 3,743 polling units while ensuring that only genuine farmers benefit from the programme.
“The fertiliser is not for sale. It bears a unique logo and identification, and anyone caught diverting or selling it will face the full weight of the law,” Bala-Tafida warned.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Shehu Mu’azu, said the distribution of 110 truckloads of fertiliser fulfilled Governor Idris’ annual commitment under KADAGE.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the free supply of agricultural inputs, expansion of dry-season farming, and climate-resilient agricultural practices to boost food production, enhance food security, and improve rural livelihoods.