The Bauchi State Government stated that its N35,000 fertiliser (NPK 20:10:10) should be sold to farmers at a cost of N20,000 to enable more residents of the state to access farm inputs.

Governor Bala Mohammed announced this on Saturday while flagging off the sales of farm inputs for the 2025 rainy season at Gajin Duguri. Noting that agriculture is crucial to the state’s economy, he encouraged more young people to embrace farming while his government provides support.

Mohammed said that he had given a directive allowing civil servants to visit the farm two days a week, just as he had granted leave to boost their farming efforts. The two days off apply to officers at level 12 and below. “Last year, we gave our civil servants farm inputs as a loan, and I must commend them for their honesty in repayment.

“We have set aside about N45 billion to boost the capacity of our fertiliser blending company in collaboration with OCP of Morocco to produce 45 tonnes per hour,” he said.

Mohammed further said that the government procured 20 tractors that were distributed across the 20 local councils, while 40 tractors were procured this year for distribution to farmers as loans.

The governor added that state officials have collected soil samples across the nooks and crannies of Bauchi to determine suitable fertilisers and crops. He expressed readiness to work with non-governmental organisations willing to collaborate with the state.

According to him, the government has sent 1,000 youths across the local government to learn modern agricultural techniques, while being ready to mobilise a fresh set of cohorts in partnership with the federal government.