‎From Yakubu Wuyep, Jos

‎The Plateau State Government has approved the procurement of 500 truckloads of fertiliser for the 2026 farming season and a substantial subsidy to make the inputs affordable for farmers across the 17 local government areas of the state.

‎In a statement issued on Monday by Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Gyang Bere, the Governor said the intervention is part of his administration’s commitment to agricultural transformation, food security, and the economic empowerment of farmers.

‎To ensure timely access to quality inputs, the Governor approved the sale of a 50kg bag of fertiliser at ₦20,000, down from the current market price of between ₦50,000 and ₦53,000.

‎The subsidy takes immediate effect to enable farmers to access the inputs as the planting season intensifies.

‎The intervention is aimed at reducing the cost of agricultural production, improving productivity, and strengthening food security.

‎Mutfwang disclosed that agriculture remains a major pillar of his administration’s development agenda and a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and rural development.

‎He noted that the subsidy directly addresses concerns raised by farmers over rising input costs and reflects government’s resolve to make farming more profitable and sustainable.

‎“This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and complements ongoing federal efforts to cushion economic hardship and increase food production nationwide,” the Governor stated.

‎While the official flag-off of the ‘2026 Fertiliser Subsidy Programme’ is scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2026, the Governor has directed that sales of the subsidized fertilizer commence immediately.

‎He expressed confidence that the intervention will significantly lower production costs, improve crop yields, increase farmers’ profit margins, and contribute to the state’s goal of achieving food sufficiency.

‎Mutfwang urged farmers across Plateau to take full advantage of the programme.

‎He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to policies that boost agricultural productivity, improve rural livelihoods, and position Plateau State as Nigeria’s leading hub for agriculture and agribusiness.