DR Billy Laah, Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Jema’a Local Government, Kaduna State has expressed concern over low patronage of fertilisers supplied for sale in the area.

Laah said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Kafanchan that although the state government had provided the fertiliser early enough for sale, the response of farmers in the area has remained very low.

He noted with concern that with the setting in of the rains, delay in the purchase of the commodity might result to poor yield.

The director urged farmers in the area to come forward and purchase the fertilizer, now available at designated selling points.

“Fertilizer is available in the local government stores and is being sold at government approved price of N5, 500 per bag.

“Each farmer is entitled to five bags for a start and could purchase more bags subsequently if there is still need,’’ he said.

The director said that the aim of the early supply was to enable farmers get commensurate yields after putting in their best in their farms.

However, one of the farmers, Malam Salisu Na’ibi, attributed the low patronage to the difficult financial situation confronting most people.

According to him, most local farmers are struggling to meet their family needs and have no savings with which to purchase the commodity.

“It is every farmer’s wish to apply fertilizer on crops but when you don’t have the means, what do you do,’’ he asked.

Another farmer, Mr Bege Musa who resides at Unguwan Mailafia in Kafanchan, said although he needed six bags for his farm, he had to purchase only two in order to use the remaining part of his money to buy chemicals and herbicides.

“I couldn’t buy the much fertilizer I needed so that I can afford to pay for other needs,’’ he said. (NAN)

– Apr. 17, 2018 @ 12:36 GMT