BNSG Slashes fertilizer price by 50 percent

 

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has stated that the state government has lowered the price of urea fertiliser by half.

Governor Ortom made the announcement today at the 2021 planting season, fertiliser sales, and distribution to Benue farmers, saying that a 50kg bag of Urea, which cost N12,000, will be sold to farmers for N6,000.

According to the Governor, a 50kg bag of NPK purchased for N9,000 will be sold to farmers for N5,000, representing a 40% subsidy.

Governor Ortom revealed that for the 2021 crop, the government has contracted vendors to supply 141 trucks of fertiliser, equivalent to 4,230 metric tons of granulated inorganic fertilizer, and 5 trucks of granulated organic fertilizer, equivalent to 150 metric tons.

According to the Governor, a 50kg bag of NPK purchased for N9,000 will be sold to farmers for N5,000, representing a 40% subsidy.

Governor Ortom revealed that for the 2021 crop, the government has contracted vendors to supply 141 trucks of fertiliser, equivalent to 4,230 metric tons of granulated inorganic fertilizer, and 5 trucks of granulated organic fertilizer, equivalent to 150 metric tons.

Governor Ortom commended the Federal Government for taking steps to limit the effects of the 2017 and 2018 flood disasters on Benue farmers by distributing fertilizer through the National Emergency Management Agency, or NEMA.

He ordered security forces to apprehend and prosecute anyone caught obstructing his administration’s attempts to ensure that fertiliser reaches the legitimate farmers.

Rt Hon Titus Uba, Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, praised the Governor for providing fertiliser to farmers, saying it will enhance agricultural output and help the state maintain its status as the nation’s food basket.

Dr Timothy Ijir, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, said the Governor has not failed the people by subsidizing fertiliser and farm inputs for Benue farmers since his government began.

Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon Terwase Aondoakaa, stated that the distribution of seedlings to farmers and fertilisers would go a long way in increasing agricultural productivity, and urged those involved to ensure that the commodity reaches the intended recipients.