News in brief: The governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, plans to introduce subsidised fertiliser to farmers in the state. He aims to modernise the state’s agricultural sector, support agric businesses, and alleviate poverty among rural dwellers who constitute a significant portion of the state’s population.
Abba Kabir Yusuf, the governor of Kano State, has reiterated plans to introduce subsidised fertiliser to farmers within the state. He revealed his administration’s intention during a seed and inputs fair.
According to news reports, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) had organised the event for farmers who benefitted from the Kano State Agro-pastoral Development Project (KSADP).
ICRISAT’s country representative, Dr Angarawai Ignatius, said that the fair aimed at linking the beneficiaries with its technical support. The agency is offering them its one-stop-shop farmer hub model.
During his inaugural speech as the state’s new governor, Yusuf had promised to focus on agriculture, commerce and education. His address had mentioned a desire to modernise the agric sector and prioritise agric businesses. He also added that he planned to provide fertilisers and other inputs at affordable rates to farmers.
So, his recent announcement at the fair is not surprising. Although, it showed his commitment to the plan for the agriculture sector. Also, as Dr. Faruq Kurawa, the Principal Private Secretary who represented the governor at the event promised, the fertilisers will arrive in time to meet up with the rainy season planting activities.
The statement also added that providing these inputs creates a means for rural dwellers, who make up the bulk of Kano State’s populace, to escape poverty because many (as high as 70% of the entire populace) are involved in agriculture.
While it appears that Yusuf is not abandoning his campaign promises anytime soon, the subsidised fertiliserd need to start appearing as farmers are already well into the planting season. There are only a few months left before the rainy season is over. Hopefully, the governor keeps track of effective supply and disbursement.
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