The Kogi State Government has launched a major agricultural support program aimed at distributing fertilizer to more than 30,000 farmers spread across the state’s 21 Local Government Areas.

The initiative was revealed by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, during a discussion with the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah.

Valued at N3.2 billion, the fertilizer distribution is intended to boost crop yields—particularly for rice, maize, and cassava—under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s agricultural transformation agenda.

Hon. Ojomah stated that the recipients were identified through an enumeration and verification exercise carried out in 2024. The process, he explained, ensured that only genuine farmers—vetted through their commodity associations and other stakeholders—were included.

He emphasized that the effort goes beyond just distribution, incorporating a capacity-building strategy to ensure farmers understand how to use the water-soluble fertilizers effectively.

According to the Commissioner, the government has invested in farmer education and deployed extension officers to offer hands-on guidance and monitor how fertilizers are applied across different communities.

He said the training sessions, held earlier this year, assembled members of various commodity groups, who are expected to disseminate the information to peers in a cascading, trainer-to-trainer approach.

Hon. Ojomah reiterated the administration’s dedication to advancing agriculture and ensuring food security.

He noted that Governor Ododo remains focused on empowering farmers with both modern inputs and practical knowledge to enhance productivity and sustainable growth in the sector.”