MAKURDI, BENUE STATE — The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has announced a reduction in the price of fertiliser to ₦28,000 per bag as part of efforts to support farmers and boost agricultural production across the state.
The decision involves a significant subsidy arrangement by the state government, which is reportedly covering about half of the actual market cost of fertiliser to make it more affordable for farmers ahead of the peak farming season.
According to the announcement, the initiative is aimed at improving food production, reducing input costs, and encouraging more residents of the state to engage in large-scale and subsistence farming. Officials say the policy is part of broader agricultural reforms designed to strengthen food security in Benue, which is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s major food-producing states.
Governor Alia emphasized that reducing the cost of agricultural inputs is essential to easing the burden on farmers who have been affected by rising inflation and increased production costs. He noted that fertiliser affordability remains a key factor in determining farm productivity and overall food output in the state.
Agricultural stakeholders have welcomed the development, describing it as a timely intervention that could help increase yields for crops such as yam, rice, maize, and cassava, which are widely cultivated across Benue State. They argue that subsidised inputs can significantly improve rural livelihoods and reduce poverty levels among farming communities.
Officials in the state Ministry of Agriculture explained that the subsidised fertiliser distribution will be managed through approved channels to ensure that genuine farmers benefit directly from the programme. They also warned against diversion and urged strict monitoring to prevent abuse of the scheme.
Experts in the agricultural sector note that fertiliser pricing remains a major challenge for farmers across Nigeria, with fluctuations in global supply chains and currency valuation affecting affordability. They suggest that state-level interventions like Benue’s subsidy programme can help stabilize local food production, especially when implemented transparently.
The Hyacinth Alia administration has continued to prioritize agriculture as a key pillar of its economic strategy, with ongoing efforts to support mechanised farming, improve rural infrastructure, and expand access to agricultural credit facilities.
Farmers’ associations in Benue have expressed optimism that the price reduction will ease financial pressure and enable them to expand cultivation during the current farming season. Many say the move could lead to increased harvests and improved food availability in local markets.
As implementation begins, the state government has urged farmers to take advantage of the subsidised fertiliser scheme while assuring that distribution will be fair, transparent, and accessible across all local government areas in Benue State.
