Zulum resorts to liquid fertilizers over FG ban on NPK, Urea
By Njadvara MUSA, Maiduguri
Governor Babagana Zulum of the Borno state has resorted to liquid fertilizers, following the Federal Government ban on Urea and NPK in the Northeast.
According to him, unlike other states in the region, Borno was unable to procure and distribute fertilizers, as Boko Haram use them for making Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs).
While monitoring farming activities in four Councils, yesterday (Thursday), at the10 farmlands, Zulum disclosed: “There was an existing ban on fertilizers by the Federal Government through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).”
The Governor, who is also a Professor in irrigation farming, interacted with the small-holder farmers, asking them about their problems, so as to address them for increased productivity and incomes.
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“We were unable to procure and distribute Urea and NPK fertilizers to our farmers,” he said, explaining that there was an existing ban on them in the State,” he said.
Continuing, he added: “We have long been in receipt of a security letter from the ONSA, placing a ban on the farmers’ application of fertilizers to food and tree crops.”
According to him, Boko Haram uses fertilizer components to make IEDs and attack military and police posts; and various communities in the state.
He, therefore, noted that it will not augur well for the state government to procure and distribute fertilizers, unlike in the neighbouring states of Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi and Gombe.
Zulum declared that; “The only alternative is to procure and distribute liquid fertilizers,” assuring that it has all the plant nutrients contained in the Urea and NPK fertilizers.
Excited over the large turnout of farmers, he said: “There are more farming activities in South Senatorial District, as peace has been restored in nine Councils of Borno.”
He, therefore, directed the distribution of farm inputs, including tractors to farmers in the three senatorial districts.
He also pledged to accord priority to the agricultural sector with the strengthening of Agro Rangers and other security agencies to secure and sustain farming activities in the state.
