The federal government has distributed 7,200 tonnes of fertiliser to Jigawa dry season farmers to boost rice production in the state, according to the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN).

The chairman of the association, Malam Adamu Haruna said this yesterday.

Haruna said that each member of the association received three bags of the commodity at the rate of N2,750 per bag as against N5,000 per bag in the open market.

He said that the federal government had given 50 per cent subsidy, while farmers paid the remaining 50 per cent.

He said that the brand of the assorted fertiliser distributed to the farmers included NPK and Urea, both sold at the same rate. Haruna said that improved rice seeds were also given to the farmers to boost yield and ensure food security in the state. (NAN)