By Atlantic Reports

The Federal Government has provided fertiliser support for 5,040 farmers in Bauchi State through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), according to the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN).

AFAN’s Bauchi Chairman, Yusuf Sambo, said on Wednesday that the intervention supplied 12,160 bags to 3,040 registered association members and another 8,000 bags to the state government for 2,000 farmers.

He said each beneficiary received four bags of NPK fertiliser, bringing the reported allocation to 20,160 bags.

Support to Bring Farmers Back to Production

Sambo said the association encouraged farmers who stopped farming in 2025 because of high fertiliser costs to return during the 2026 season.

He said AFAN compiled and submitted farmers’ information to the fund for verification, with the aim of ensuring that genuine farmers received the support.

The supplied account did not explain the eligibility criteria, how farmers outside the association were selected or what arrangements existed for resolving complaints about exclusion.

Sambo expressed confidence that the intervention would improve productivity and food security. Those benefits remain expected outcomes; the account did not provide harvest figures or evidence of changes in production costs.

National Allocation Framework

Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Coordinator Moses Atsevgo said the NADF intervention was designed to provide 20,160 bags to each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

He said allocations were channelled through AFAN and state governments for distribution.

That national design is distinct from confirmation that every state and the FCT had completed distribution. The account also did not specify bag weights or the total cost of the Bauchi allocation.

Extension Support Alongside Inputs

Bashir Jahun, Assistant Director of the Pest Control Unit at the Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme, said farmers also received training, extension support and sensitisation.

He listed proper fertiliser application, timely planting, weed control and identification and management of pests and diseases among the training topics.

Jahun said weekly agricultural stakeholder discussions gave farmers opportunities to raise current challenges and seek guidance.

He also urged farmers to dry harvested grains and legumes properly before storage to reduce spoilage and to use certified storage protectants.

The fertiliser allocation addresses an input cost that officials say kept some farmers out of production. Its longer-term value will depend on timely delivery, effective extension support and measurable improvements in yields and farm incomes.

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