The Kebbi State Government has launched the 2026 dry-season farming programme with the free distribution of 110 truckloads of fertilizer to all 21 Local Government Areas. The flag-off took place at Haliru Abdu Stadium, Birnin Kebbi, under Governor Nasir Idris’ “Kauran Gwandu/Kaura Agricultural Development Agenda”.

Gov. Idris said the intervention is meant to boost productivity, lower costs for farmers, and strengthen food security across the state. He confirmed that 110 trucks of assorted fertilizers will be handed to the LGAs at no cost, while an additional 100 trucks of assorted fertilizers are also being shared free to farmers statewide.

The package goes beyond fertilizer. The state rolled out 2,000 solar-powered water pumps, 5,000 power tillers, 5,500 sprayers, 24,000 litres of herbicides, and 70,000 litres of liquid organic fertilizer to support dry-season cultivation. Reports also put total fertilizer at about 5,000 tonnes, alongside 6,500 tonnes of assorted grains like rice, maize and millet for Ramadan palliatives targeting over one million residents.

At the event, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, commended the governor for aligning with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security. Governor Idris noted Kebbi’s rice output grew from 3.05 million tonnes in 2023 to 3.15 million tonnes in 2024, and said the state is expanding to two dry-season cycles to maximize yields.

To curb diversion, the governor directed security agencies to arrest anyone caught selling the free inputs, stressing that the programme is people-oriented.

Sources: Punch news, TVC News, Channels news.