Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, on Friday flagged off the distribution of 500 truckloads of subsidised fertiliser for the 2026 farming season, declaring that insecurity would not stop farmers from cultivating their lands.
The governor, who launched the distribution in Jos South Local Government Area, said agriculture remains the backbone of the state’s economy and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to food security and improved livelihoods.
Mutfwang said the fertilisers, jointly procured by the state government and the 17 local government councils, would be sold to genuine farmers at a subsidised rate of ₦20,000 per 50kg bag, far below the prevailing market price.
“The fact that we are going to farm is part of our testimony of resilience,” the governor said.
He insisted that no force would prevent Plateau from sustaining its status as Nigeria’s food basket, adding that the government would continue to invest in agriculture and value addition.
The governor disclosed that the distribution of improved potato seedlings had already commenced, while other farm inputs would be provided to farmers to boost productivity and ensure bumper harvests.
He explained that the fertiliser subsidy was designed to lower production costs, increase farmers’ incomes and stimulate economic growth across the state.
Mutfwang also announced plans by the government to purchase harvested produce directly from farmers to shield them from exploitation by middlemen and guarantee better returns on their investments.
He urged residents to embrace community farming, saying collective efforts would not only improve food production but also strengthen security in rural communities.
“We will continue to make fertiliser and other agricultural inputs available during both the rainy and dry seasons to sustain year-round food production,” he assured.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Samson Bugama, said the 500 truckloads of assorted fertiliser represented more than twice the quantity distributed in previous years.
According to him, distribution has commenced through 18 designated centres across the state using a digital tracking system designed to ensure transparency and eliminate diversion.
“His Excellency approved the development of a robust tracking system so that we can account for every bag of fertiliser distributed. We know where each bag goes and who receives it. Our goal is to ensure that every bag reaches genuine farmers and is applied on the farm,” Bugama said.
Also speaking, Chairman of Jos South Local Government Area, Hon. Silas Patrick Dung, commended the governor for choosing the council to host the flag-off ceremony, expressing optimism that the intervention would guarantee a successful farming season and further strengthen Plateau State’s economy.
