By Faridat Salifu
Sokoto State is accelerating efforts to modernise agriculture through increased mechanisation and expanded support for farmers, as part of a broader strategy to boost food production and strengthen food security.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu said recently that the state has procured 250 Massey Ferguson MF375 tractors and implements under a ₦22.1 billion investment, with about 90 per cent of the equipment already delivered to improve mechanised farming across the state.
He added that the Federal Government has also approved 100 Belarus tractors for Sokoto through a financing arrangement with the Bank of Agriculture to further expand farmers’ access to mechanised services.
Beyond mechanisation, the governor flagged off the distribution of 157,800 bags of NPK and urea fertiliser valued at ₦7.7 billion to support farmers during the 2026 wet season. He said each of the state’s 23 local government areas would receive six truckloads, while additional supplies would be allocated to vulnerable farmers.
Aliyu said the state has also acquired 7,800 bags of improved seeds, including millet, hybrid maize, sorghum, cowpea, beans and FARO 44 rice, as well as herbicides and insecticides, all of which will be distributed free of charge to farmers.
He noted that the interventions are expected to improve productivity, lower production costs and increase farmers’ incomes while enhancing food security.
Commissioner for Agriculture Tukur Alkali said the state is complementing the initiative with investments in irrigation infrastructure, with new projects planned for Wamakko, Bodinga, Silame, Tambuwal, Rabah and Binji local government areas under the 2026 budget.
He added that farmers in the state will also benefit from a 30 per cent subsidy on agricultural equipment approved by the Bank of Agriculture, a measure aimed at improving access to modern farming technologies.
The governor warned against the diversion of government-supported farm inputs, directing security agencies to prosecute anyone found sabotaging the state’s agricultural programmes.
