Benue subsidises fertiliser by 51%, launches statewide farm input distribution

Politics

MAKURDI, Nigeria (NPA) — Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has flagged off the 2026 Fertiliser and Farm Inputs Sales and Distribution Exercise, announcing a 51 per cent subsidy on fertiliser to support farmers and boost food production across the state.

Under the programme, fertiliser will be sold to farmers at ₦28,000 per bag, significantly below market price, as part of the state government’s efforts to reduce production costs and strengthen agricultural productivity.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Governor Alia said the initiative is designed to empower farmers, increase food output, create jobs and stimulate economic growth in rural communities.

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“This is about empowering our farmers, lowering production costs, increasing food production, creating jobs and strengthening the economies of our rural communities,” the governor said.

Describing Benue as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” Alia stressed the need for the state to maintain its leadership role in agricultural production through targeted investments and support programmes.

He said the government is expanding land aggregation initiatives, improving access to quality farm inputs, rehabilitating rural roads, promoting irrigation farming, supporting agro-processing and creating opportunities for youths and women in agribusiness.

According to the governor, the fertiliser and farm input distribution programme will be implemented across all 23 local government areas of the state.

He assured farmers that strict transparency measures have been put in place to ensure that genuine beneficiaries receive the subsidised inputs.

“We will not tolerate diversion, exploitation or any form of malpractice,” Alia warned.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to agriculture, describing the sector as the backbone of Benue’s economy and a critical driver of sustainable development.

“To all our hardworking farmers, the government is standing with you. Let us cultivate more land, produce more food, create more wealth and build a greater Benue for generations to come,” he said.

The initiative forms part of the state government’s broader strategy to enhance food security, improve livelihoods and position Benue as a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria and across Africa.