Zulum launches farming season, unveils ₦500m support for farmers

Zulum launches farming season, unveils ₦500m support for farmers

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on Wednesday flagged off the 2026 wet farming season, distributing free agricultural inputs to 120,000 farmers and launching a ₦500 million cash support programme for vulnerable residents across five local government areas.

The governor also launched the sale and distribution of 200 truckloads of NPK and urea fertilisers at a 50 per cent subsidy, describing the intervention as part of the state’s strategy to boost food production, improve livelihoods and strengthen food security.

Speaking at the launch held at Kwaya Kusar Main Stadium, Zulum said the initiative was designed to support farmers throughout the agricultural value chain while creating jobs and improving the socio-economic well-being of residents.

He said the free farm inputs include agrochemicals, certified improved seeds, knapsack sprayers, water pumps, bicycles and post-harvest storage facilities to enhance productivity and reduce post-harvest losses.

According to the governor, the government will also distribute 40,000 litres of agrochemicals, 5,000 water pumps, 5,000 knapsack sprayers and 10,000 bicycles to rural farmers across the state.

He noted that the procurement of 200 truckloads of high-quality fertiliser represents a significant increase over the 75 truckloads distributed during the previous farming season.

“Our administration has expanded agricultural support to ensure farmers receive assistance from land preparation to harvesting, storage, processing and access to markets,” Zulum said.

He explained that the programme also covers mechanisation services, irrigation development, agricultural extension services, harvesting support, agro-processing facilities and financing opportunities, particularly for women and young people engaged in farming.

The governor said Kwaya Kusar was selected for the state-wide launch because of its strategic position as one of Borno’s leading agricultural belts with significant production potential in the North-East.

Zulum warned beneficiaries against diverting or selling the subsidised fertiliser, insisting that the inputs must be used strictly for crop cultivation.

“These fertilisers are meant solely for agricultural production. They should not be resold, diverted or hoarded. Every beneficiary has a duty to ensure they are used for the purpose they were provided,” he said.

The governor also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the federal government’s continued support to states, saying the assistance had enabled sub-national governments to implement programmes aimed at improving the welfare of their citizens.

In addition to the agricultural intervention, Zulum announced the disbursement of ₦500 million in cash support to vulnerable persons, women and youths in Biu, Hawul, Kwaya Kusar, Shani and Bayo local government areas to strengthen household livelihoods and stimulate economic activities in the affected communities.

The governor said the combined interventions underscore his administration’s commitment to expanding agricultural production, tackling poverty and improving food and nutrition security across Borno State.