The programme is aimed at reducing production costs, increasing crop yields, strengthening food security, and stimulating economic growth through agriculture.
The Plateau Government has officially commenced the sale of 500 truckloads of subsidised fertiliser for the 2026 cropping season, with Governor Caleb Mutfwang announcing a reduction in the price to ₦20,000 per bag in a move aimed at boosting food production and supporting farmers across the state.
The flag-off ceremony, held in Jos South Local Government Area, brought together government officials, farmers, traditional leaders and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector as the state intensified efforts to strengthen food security and revive agricultural productivity.
Speaking at the event, Governor Mutfwang described agriculture as the backbone of Plateau’s economy and reaffirmed his administration’s determination to restore the state’s position as Nigeria’s food basket despite prevailing security challenges.
“We are determined, by the grace of God, to deliver for the people of Plateau. Nigeria is looking up to Plateau as the food basket of the nation, and by the grace of God, our enemies will not stop us from farming. They will try, but they will not succeed,” he said.
The governor stressed that the decision to subsidise fertiliser was not only to reduce production costs but also to encourage farmers to remain resilient in the face of adversity.
“Some people said instead of sharing fertilizer, we should go into the bush and fight, but I said no. We are going to the farm because it is part of our testimony of resilience. We must prove to those who want to bring us down that no matter how they try, we will never give up,” the governor said.
He disclosed that the state government partnered with the 17 local government councils to procure the fertiliser and approved a reduction in its selling price to ₦20,000 per bag to cushion the impact of losses farmers suffered during the previous farming season.
“We want to compensate our farmers for the losses they suffered last year because we know crop prices dropped drastically. That is why I have approved a reduction in the price of the fertiliser to ₦20,000,” Mutfwang said.
Governor Mutfwang also announced additional interventions to support farmers, including the procurement of herbicides and other farm chemicals as well as a government produced purchase programme.
“We are also getting chemicals that will help farmers deal with weeds and other challenges on the farm. This year, whatever you harvest, we will buy it from you so that you will not be exploited in the market,” he said.
The governor encouraged farmers to adopt collective farming arrangements to enhance security in vulnerable communities.
“The time of going to the farm alone is over. Let us go in numbers as communities. While others are farming, some will be watching.”
Declaring the fertiliser sales open, the governor assured farmers that his administration would maintain a steady supply of farm inputs throughout the farming season.
“We will ensure a constant and consistent flow of fertiliser in Plateau State.”
In his address, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development in Plateau State, Samson Bugama, said the governor approved the procurement of 500 truckloads of assorted fertiliser to support farmers during the 2026 farming season.
Bugama explained that fertiliser sales would be carried out through 18 designated distribution centres across Plateau State using a technology-driven system designed to guarantee transparency and accountability.
“You have graciously approved the purchase of up to 500 truckloads of assorted fertiliser for the 2026 farming season. There are 18 distribution centres across the state, and the process is technology-based to ensure transparency. Accountability is key. Our desire is that every bag reaches the last farmer and ends up on the farm,” he said.
According to the commissioner, the initiative was designed to ensure that farmers in every part of the state benefit from the government’s agricultural support programme.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Jos South Local Government, Silas Dung, expressed appreciation to the state government for choosing the council to host the flag-off ceremony.
“Jos South is indeed grateful to host this event. Plateau State has long been known as the food basket of the nation, and our people continue to contribute significantly to food production and distribution across the country.”
The fertiliser programme is one of several agricultural initiatives introduced by the Mutfwang administration to reduce production costs, increase crop yields, strengthen food security and stimulate economic growth through agriculture.
