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Katsina State Government has formally launched the 2026 Fertilizer Sales and Distribution Programme, reinforcing its push to strengthen agricultural productivity, expand food security, and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the state.
The programme was unveiled on Monday, April 20, 2026, in Malumfashi Local Government Area by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, who described the initiative as a continuation of deliberate policies aimed at repositioning agriculture as the backbone of the state’s economy.
Radda announced that fertilizer under the scheme will be sold at a subsidised rate of ₦25,000 per bag, a move expected to ease cost pressures on farmers ahead of the planting season.
“From the very beginning of this administration, we made a clear commitment—that agriculture will remain a top priority, and that our farmers will continue to receive timely and meaningful support,” the Governor said.
He noted that, similar to the previous year, the government ensured early delivery of fertilizer before the onset of the rainy season, but added that this year’s programme has been expanded and restructured to improve access and efficiency.
“We have gone further to strengthen and decentralise the distribution system to ensure that access is expanded and that every genuine farmer benefits directly,” he stated.
Under the new distribution framework, fertilizer will be allocated across 6,652 polling units statewide. According to the Governor, Funtua Zone will receive 60 bags per polling unit, Katsina Zone will get 50 bags, while Daura Zone will receive 45 bags per polling unit. In addition, 10 large-scale farmers in each ward will receive 10 bags each to support higher levels of production.
Radda stressed that the model was deliberately designed to eliminate intermediaries and ensure direct delivery to farmers.
“This eliminates middlemen, reduces diversion, and ensures that fertilizer gets directly to those who need it most—the farmers,” he said.
Beyond fertilizer distribution, the Governor emphasised that the state is pursuing a broader agricultural transformation strategy that integrates mechanisation, irrigation, and youth development.
He disclosed that farmers have been supported with hand-powered tillers to reduce manual labour and improve efficiency, while tractors and other modern implements have been deployed to expand cultivation and boost productivity.
On irrigation, the state is currently drilling over 3,000 tube wells at no cost to farmers, providing access to water for all-season farming activities. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce reliance on rainfall and support dry season production.
“Last year, the administration distributed 4,000 solar-powered water pumps. This year, an additional 4,000 gasoline-powered irrigation pumps have been provided free of charge across 361 wards, alongside liquid fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides,” Radda said.
He further revealed that the government has procured six tube well drilling machines, three air compressors, one cutter suction dredger, and one amphibious swamp buggy excavator to support the dredging and rehabilitation of small earth dams, a move aimed at expanding irrigation infrastructure across the state.
In addition, improved seedlings have been approved for procurement and will be made available to farmers at subsidised rates to enhance crop yields.
The Governor also highlighted ongoing investments in youth-focused agricultural programmes, noting that 361 young men and women are currently undergoing training in modern farming techniques, agro-processing, and agribusiness.
“We are also investing in the future of agriculture through our youths. They represent the next generation that will drive agricultural transformation in our State,” he said.
Radda urged beneficiaries to utilise the inputs responsibly and strictly for agricultural purposes, while encouraging young people to take advantage of opportunities within the sector, which he described as a viable pathway to wealth creation and self-reliance.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Lawal Aliyu Shargalle, described the state’s agricultural drive as a “renewed engine of hope,” noting that fertilizer support has remained consistent since the inception of the current administration.
He explained that the fertilizer programme forms part of a wider agricultural revival plan that includes mechanisation support, irrigation expansion, and targeted input distribution.
Shargalle added that the Ministry is working in collaboration with the Community Development Programme (CDP) to ensure transparency and accountability in the distribution process.
“This partnership guarantees transparency, accountability, and grassroots ownership of the process,” he said, commending the CDP team for its role in implementation.
He further disclosed that strict monitoring mechanisms have been put in place, including tracking each bag of fertilizer distributed and submitting weekly reports directly to the Governor.
The Commissioner praised Radda’s leadership, stating that the administration would be remembered for its commitment to revitalising agriculture through sustained and coordinated interventions.
In his remarks, the Community Development Programme Coordinator, Dr. Kamaludden Kabir, also commended the Governor’s investments in the agricultural sector, noting that they have had measurable impact on rural livelihoods.
“His Excellency has, over the years, done tremendous work in improving the livelihoods and strengthening the rural economy of the state,” Kabir said.
He recalled that upon assumption of office, the Governor directed the distribution of over 4,000 hand-powered tillers and more than 4,000 solar-powered irrigation pumps, which he said have significantly improved farming conditions.
“With the introduction of these hand-powered tillers, the situation has improved considerably, making farming easier and more accessible for the common man,” he added.
Kabir acknowledged the challenges posed by banditry, particularly the loss of cattle traditionally used for farming, but noted that government interventions have helped stabilise agricultural activities.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Malumfashi Local Government Area, Hon. Muntari Abdullahi, commended the state government for the timely supply of agricultural inputs and the effort to ensure affordability for farmers.
He also praised the administration’s strides in restoring security and improving socio-economic conditions across the area.
“We are also grateful for the love and developmental attention shown by His Excellency to Malumfashi Local Government Area. The various projects and facilities provided have had a positive impact on the lives of our people,” Abdullahi said.
The event drew the attendance of key government officials, including the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; the Galadima Katsina and District Head of Malumfashi, Justice Sadiq Abdullahi Mahuta, alongside other senior stakeholders in the state.
