Radda Warns Against Diversion of Fertilizer for Farmers

Dikko Umaru Radda, the Governor of Katsina State and Chairman of the North West Governors Forum, issued a warning against the diversion of 100,800 bags of fertilizer allocated by the Federal Government for smallholder farmers. This allocation is intended for 25,200 farmers across seven states in the North West region.

During the official launch of the free fertilizer program under the National Agricultural Development Fund, Radda stated that any manipulation of the farm intervention would face sanctions. He emphasized that the fertilizer should not be sold but distributed free of charge to the farmers.

The program aims to boost agricultural production, strengthen food security, and support smallholder farmers. The first phase of the program includes the distribution of 100,800 bags of fertilizer, with Katsina State receiving 20,180 bags for 5,045 farmers across 34 local government areas.

Radda's administration has distributed 400,000 bags of fertilizer annually over the past three years and has highlighted investments in irrigation, mechanization, and youth agricultural training.