Farmers in Gombe State have raised concerns over the absence of 2,000 tonnes of fertilizer reportedly donated by the federal government, which they were expecting for free distribution.
Despite an announcement by Governor Inuwa Yahaya regarding the fertilizer donation, farmers claim the promised supply has not reached them.
Ayuba Ali, a farmer from Billiri, noted that the fertilizer would have boosted production and increased income for small-scale farmers if distributed.
Umar Hamisu, a sorghum and wheat farmer from Nafada, expressed frustration over a challenging 2024 season due to unaffordable farming inputs, worsened by inflation. “We heard President Tinubu donated fertilizer for free distribution, but nothing has reached our villages,” Hamisu stated.
Female farmers, including Esther Bitrus from Dadin Kowa, reported that they had to purchase fertilizer at N25,000, as they hadn’t seen or heard of anyone receiving the federal donation.
Another farmer, Sarah Yakubu, appealed for the free distribution, emphasizing that Gombe farmers deserve access just as those in other states like Kano and Nasarawa.
In response, Gombe’s Agriculture Commissioner, Dr. Barnabas Malle, clarified that the donated fertilizer was indeed distributed via cooperative societies and monitored by security agents.
He explained that the fertilizer sold at N22,000 per bag was not from the federal donation but from stock procured by Governor Yahaya at a subsidized rate.
Farmers continue to call on the state government to ensure the fertilizer is distributed fairly, especially for those involved in dry season farming.
