By Ayomide Otitoju
The Plateau State Government has 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 to boost food production and support farmers across the state.
The flag-off ceremony, held in Jos South Local Government Area, attracted government officials, farmers, traditional rulers and other stakeholders as the state intensified efforts to strengthen food security and enhance agricultural productivity.
Speaking at the event, Governor Mutfwang described agriculture as the backbone of Plateau’s economy and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring the state’s status as Nigeria’s food basket despite prevailing security challenges.
He said the fertiliser subsidy was introduced to reduce production costs and encourage farmers to remain resilient.
The governor disclosed that the state government partnered with the 17 local government councils to procure the fertiliser and approved the reduction in price to cushion the impact of losses recorded by farmers during the previous farming season.
Mutfwang also announced additional interventions, including the provision of herbicides and other farm chemicals, as well as a government produce purchase programme aimed at protecting farmers from market exploitation.
According to him, the government will purchase harvested produce from farmers to guarantee better returns and encourage increased agricultural output.
He also urged farmers to adopt collective farming for improved security, encouraging communities to work together while ensuring adequate vigilance on farmlands.
Declaring the fertiliser sales open, the governor assured farmers of a steady supply of farm inputs throughout the farming season.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Samson Bugama, said the governor approved the procurement of 500 truckloads of assorted fertiliser to support farmers during the 2026 farming season.
He explained that sales would be conducted through 18 designated distribution centres across the state using a technology-driven system designed to ensure transparency and accountability.
According to Bugama, the initiative is intended to ensure that farmers across Plateau State have equitable access to the subsidised fertiliser and other government agricultural interventions.
Also speaking, Chairman of Jos South Local Government Area, Silas Dung, commended the state government for selecting the council to host the flag-off ceremony, describing Plateau as a major contributor to Nigeria’s food production.
The fertiliser distribution programme forms part of the Mutfwang administration’s broader agricultural agenda aimed at reducing production costs, increasing crop yields, strengthening food security and stimulating economic growth through agriculture.
