Gov. Lawal Flags Off Distribution of 72,000 Bags of Fertiliser, 200,000 Litres of Herbicides to Farmers
...Says Agriculture Remains Zamfara's Path to Prosperity
The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has flagged off the distribution of 72,000 fertiliser bags, 200,000 litres of herbicides, and other agricultural inputs to farmers under the 2026 Wet Season Agricultural Support Programme, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to making agriculture the driving force of the state’s economic transformation.
Speaking during the launch of the 2026 Wet Season Farming input distribution exercise in Gusau on Friday, Governor Lawal stated that the initiative was another milestone in the government’s efforts to revitalise agriculture, strengthen food security, create sustainable livelihoods, and improve the prosperity of farmers across the state.
Lawal described agriculture as the backbone of Zamfara’s economy, noting that farming remains the primary source of livelihood for most residents and offers one of the greatest opportunities for inclusive economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable development.
“Agriculture is not just an economic activity; it is part of our identity, heritage, resilience and the foundation upon which generations have built prosperity,” he said.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to transforming Zamfara from subsistence farming to a productive, technology-driven, and commercially viable agricultural economy through improved access to farm inputs, mechanisation, irrigation, extension services, climate-smart practices, and stronger market linkages.
The governor affirmed that the state government deliberately placed agriculture at the centre of its development agenda from the inception of the administration, stressing that investment in the sector translates into job creation, food security, rural prosperity, and improved living standards.
He noted that, despite years of security challenges, gradual improvements in the security situation have enabled many farmers to return to their farmlands with renewed confidence. “As peace continues to return, more communities are reopening, more farmlands are under cultivation and more families are rebuilding their livelihoods,” he said.
According to him, the government has strengthened collaboration with the Federal Government, development partners, and international organisations while consistently meeting its counterpart funding obligations to benefit from critical agricultural interventions.
He listed programmes including FADAMA, SAPZ, IFAD-supported initiatives and other strategic partnerships through which thousands of farmers have received improved seeds, fertilisers, agrochemicals, irrigation facilities, farming equipment and modern agricultural training.
Lawal also highlighted ongoing efforts to promote mechanisation, private sector investment, and innovation in agriculture, citing the Zamfara State Agricultural Hub in Bungudu Local Government Area as one of the administration’s flagship projects.
Announcing the distribution package, the governor declared that the state government would distribute 72,000 bags of fertiliser, 200,000 litres of herbicides, 20 motorcycles and 20 mobile phones to strengthen agricultural extension services.
He explained that the distribution would cover all 147 political wards across the state’s 14 local government areas, with each ward receiving 340 bags of fertiliser, while each local government would receive 8,000 litres of herbicides. Gusau Local Government, he added, would receive an enhanced allocation because of its population and status as the state capital.
Lawal emphasised that the success of the programme would not be measured by the quantity of inputs distributed but by the government’s ability to ensure they reach genuine farmers.
To achieve this, he disclosed that the government had established state, local government, and ward distribution committees to oversee a transparent and accountable distribution process.
“There will be zero tolerance for diversion, favouritism, hoarding, illegal sale or any action capable of denying genuine farmers access to these interventions,” the governor warned.
He directed security agencies, particularly the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), to arrest anyone found diverting or selling the government-supplied farm inputs, noting that all the items had been specially branded to make them easily identifiable.
“I don’t want to see these items in the market. If we find you selling them, you will face the law,” he said.
The governor urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the inputs by adopting improved farming methods to boost productivity and household incomes.
Lawal also appreciated development partners, traditional institutions, security agencies, farmers’ associations, extension workers, and other stakeholders for supporting the state’s agricultural transformation agenda.
He expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen food security, create more economic opportunities, and contribute to building a peaceful, prosperous, and self-reliant Zamfara State.
He further prayed for a successful farming season, abundant rainfall, and a bumper harvest across the state.
