The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kano State Chapter, has condemned the high cost of fertilizers, stressing the urgent need for the government to subsidize farm inputs to support agriculture.
Chairman Abdullahi Ali-Maibread made the call in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday in Kano, ahead of the 2026 cropping season.
He expressed concern that farmers in Kano have not received adequate support from any level of government.
The Chairman emphasized the need for urgent government intervention to distribute improved seeds and fertilizers at subsidized rates and to implement security measures to protect farmers working in their farms.
He stated that the association is collaborating with other stakeholders to ensure timely access to improved seeds and agrochemicals for better crop yields.
“We are also promoting climate-smart farming practices, including proper ridging and drainage systems, to mitigate flooding and erosion risks during the peak rainfall period,” he said.
Ali-Maibread added that the association is increasing awareness on pest control and engaging security agencies to safeguard farms during the farming season.
Meanwhile, some farmers in Gezawa, Warawa, and Gabasawa LGAs expressed deep concern over rising input costs, noting that it could lead to reduced productivity.
Maize and millet farmer Muntari Al-Hassan lamented that the price of a bag of NPK fertilizer has surged from about ₦35,000 last year to over ₦51,000 this season.
He explained that due to the high cost, he would reduce his cultivation from 12 to seven hectares to avoid potential total losses.
Vegetable farmer Nusaiba Bako observed that many women farmers might abandon farming this year because they cannot afford the current market prices for inputs, especially fertilizer.
Another farmer in Gabasawa, Aliyu Lawal, told reporters he would be unable to cultivate maize for the 2026 season due to the high cost of fertilizer.
“I cannot plant maize this season because of the high fertilizer costs; I will rather plant millet and rely on organic manure to cope,” he said.
The farmers appealed to the Kano State government and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to crack down on fake fertilizer dealers and ensure the direct distribution of subsidized inputs.
