GOVERNOR Caleb Mutfwang has launched the distribution of some 500 truckloads of subsidised fertiliser to farmers across Plateau State, in a bid to enhance agricultural yield and accelerate economic growth.
Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony held on Friday at the Jos South Local Government secretariat, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a secure environment for effective farming activities, noting that Nigeria looks to Plateau as the nation’s food basket.
The assorted fertiliser ready for distribution includes NPK 15-15-15, NPK 17-13-13 and NPK Urea, with the state government pegging the price at N20,000 per bag – a significant reduction aimed at relieving the burden on farmers.
Explaining the rationale behind the procurement, Governor Mutfwang acknowledged that the state government had collaborated with all 17 local government councils to make the initiative possible.
“We approved the reduction of fertiliser to N20,000 per bag with the intention and expectation of cushioning the negative effects farmers encountered during the 2025 farming season,” he said.
“It is our earnest desire that this year’s cropping season, 2026, farmers will go to the farm and have a bumper harvest, and in turn gain more,” the Governor added.
He further revealed that plans were already in top gear to provide chemicals to enable farmers to tackle weeds and pests effectively.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Samson Bugama, disclosed that his ministry had initially proposed 250 trucks, but the Governor graciously approved 500 trucks of assorted fertiliser.
Mr Bugama said 18 storage centres had been designated for distribution across the state, adding that the process was technology-based and “very robust and unique”. He promised that every bag of fertiliser would be fully accounted for.
He also confirmed that a large number of farmers who had registered had already received text messages to begin collecting their fertiliser allocations.
The initiative is seen as a critical step towards ensuring food security and improving livelihoods in the agrarian state, as the government moves to support farmers ahead of the planting season.
