National Council On Agriculture Okays 25 Percent Subsidy for Fertilizer

The National Council of Agriculture has risen from a one-day emergency meeting in Abuja giving its backing to the 25% Federal Government subsidy on fertilizer.

In a communiqué made available to journalists yesterday, the council also agreed that 75% recoverable fertilizer proceeds from states should be deducted from their share of the Excess Crude Account.

The council which is made up of the Ministers of Agriculture and states commissioners of Agriculture praised the manner of fertilizer procurement and distribution for the current farming season.

According to the nine-point communiqué signed by the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Abba Sayyidi Ruma, the Council noted the "laudable, transparent and efficient fertilizer procurement and distribution programme for the 2008 season.

"The National Food Security Strategy and the modalities of its implementation and acknowledged and agreed 25% subsidy by the Federal government in 2008 Fertilizer Stabilization Programme is appropriate.

"That in view of the budget constraints, the proposed additional 40% subsidy by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources to be deployed by states be further discussed at the National Economic Council.