Zulum Flags Off 2026 Wet Farming Season, Launches Subsidised Fertiliser Distribution for 120,000 Borno Farmers

Published By Ayshatu S Rabo On Jul 8, 2026

Zulum Flags Off 2026 Wet Farming Season, Launches Subsidised Fertiliser Distribution for 120,000 Borno Farmers

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has flagged off the 2026 statewide wet farming season with the launch of the sale and distribution of 200 truckloads of NPK fertiliser at a 50 per cent subsidised rate and the distribution of free agricultural inputs to over 120,000 farmers across the state.

The flag-off ceremony, held on Tuesday at the Kwaya Kusar Main Stadium, also featured the distribution of agrochemicals, certified seeds, knapsack sprayers, water pumps, bicycles and post-harvest storage facilities as part of the state government’s efforts to increase food production, improve farmers’ livelihoods and strengthen food security.

Speaking at the event, Governor Zulum said the intervention was designed to boost agricultural productivity, create employment opportunities and improve the socio-economic wellbeing of residents through sustained investment in the agricultural sector.

He explained that the programme covers the entire agricultural value chain, including mechanisation, irrigation development, fertiliser distribution, improved seeds, agrochemicals, agricultural extension services, harvesting support, post-harvest storage, agro-processing, market access and agricultural financing, with special attention to women and youths.

“We are gathered here in Kwaya Kusar, one of the most important agricultural hubs in our state, to officially launch the 2026 Wet Farming Season and commence the sales and distribution of subsidised NPK fertilisers alongside free agricultural inputs for our farmers,” the governor said.

According to him, the state government procured 200 truckloads of high-quality NPK fertiliser to be sold at half the prevailing market price, describing the allocation as a significant increase from the 75 truckloads distributed during the previous farming season.

Beyond fertiliser, Zulum announced that the government would distribute 40,000 litres of agrochemicals, 5,000 water pumps, 5,000 knapsack sprayers, 10,000 bicycles and other essential farm inputs free of charge to more than 120,000 registered farmers across Borno State.

He also unveiled the distribution of 10,000 bicycles to improve farmers’ mobility in rural communities and launched post-harvest storage facilities aimed at reducing crop losses and improving food preservation.

The governor said Kwaya Kusar was selected for the statewide launch because of its strategic importance as one of Borno’s major agricultural centres with significant farming potential in the North-East.

He warned beneficiaries against diverting or selling the subsidised fertiliser, stressing that the products were strictly meant for agricultural production.

“These fertilisers are meant solely for crop production. They must not be resold, diverted or hoarded. Every beneficiary has a responsibility to ensure they are properly utilised,” he said.

Governor Zulum also acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that Federal Government interventions have enabled states to implement more people-oriented development programmes.

In addition, he announced a ₦500 million cash support package for vulnerable persons, women and youths across Biu, Hawul, Kwaya Kusar, Shani and Bayo Local Government Areas to improve livelihoods and stimulate economic activities.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Bawu Musami, said Borno State was steadily emerging as one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural states due to sustained investment in mechanisation, irrigation, fertiliser distribution, improved seeds, extension services, agrochemicals and post-harvest infrastructure.

Also speaking, the Senator representing Borno South, Mohammed Ali Ndume, called for the revival of the state’s annual agricultural show to provide farmers with opportunities to showcase their produce, exchange ideas and promote innovation in the sector.

The event was attended by top government officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers, local government chairmen, APC leaders and other stakeholders from across the state.