Governor Bala Mohammed Subsidizes Fertilizer to N20,000, Grants Civil Servants Farm Days to Boost Agriculture
Gajin Duguri, Bauchi State – June 28, 2025
From Abdulwahab Muhammad BauchÃ
The Bauchi State Government has announced a major subsidy on fertilizer prices to support farmers during the 2025 wet season farming, as part of broader efforts to strengthen food production and rural livelihoods.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of farm input distribution held in Gajin Duguri, Alkaleri Local Government Area, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, CON, revealed that a bag of NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer, originally valued at ₦35,000, will now be sold to farmers at ₦20,000—a move aimed at making farming inputs more accessible to residents across the state.
“We are subsidizing fertilizer to ₦20,000 so that our farmers—especially smallholders—can afford it. Agriculture is strategic to our economy, and we want to encourage more youth participation,” Governor Mohammed said.
Two-Day Farm Leave for Civil Servants
In a unique policy shift to promote farming among government workers, the Governor disclosed that civil servants on Grade Level 12 and below will be allowed to take two days off weekly to engage in farming activities.
“Last year, we gave farm inputs to civil servants on loan, and they repaid honestly. This year, we are granting them two days a week to farm. This will improve productivity and self-reliance,” he added.
₦45 Billion Investment in Fertilizer Production
Governor Mohammed also revealed that the state has earmarked ₦45 billion to upgrade the capacity of the Bauchi Fertilizer Blending Company, in collaboration with OCP of Morocco, aiming to produce 45 tonnes per hour to meet growing demand.
In addition, he announced the procurement of 60 tractors—20 distributed last year and another 40 secured this year—to be made available to farmers on loan across the 20 Local Government Areas.
Scientific Farming and Youth Empowerment
In further remarks, the Governor said that soil samples have been collected from across the state to determine the most suitable fertilizer types and crop patterns for each area, demonstrating the government’s commitment to evidence-based agricultural planning.
Governor Mohammed also shared that 1,000 youths have already been trained in modern agriculture techniques, and plans are underway to mobilize a new cohort in partnership with the Federal Government and relevant development partners.
He reiterated the state's readiness to collaborate with NGOs and private sector players interested in supporting agricultural development in Bauchi.
With these bold interventions, Bauchi State continues to position agriculture as a pillar of economic diversification, youth employment, and food security.
End.