By Dahiru Suleman
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has launched this year’s rice dry season fertilizer distribution with a pledge to roll out full mechanization, processing hub development, and improved access to local and global markets.
Namadi said this on Saturday at the launch of the dry season rice farming program in Jura village in Auyo Local Government Area.
“We pledge to transform Jigawa into Nigeria’s leading rice producer and a vibrant agribusiness and rural prosperity center,” he said.
“As we advance, I urge all farmers to make the most of this opportunity. You have my assurance that this administration will sustain the necessary backing and policies for success.”
“Working together, we will build a stronger, self-reliant Jigawa, powered by agricultural growth and lasting community development.”
He urged farmers to continue supporting government policies and programs aimed at diversifying the state economy, and also promised to take action against anybody found selling or diverting the inputs.
He also warned against selling or diverting agricultural inputs meant for the 2025 rice dry season farming programme in the state, stating it would deal with anyone found diverting farm inputs meant for farmers.
Namadi explained that under the programme, over 50,000 farmers will benefit from the subsidized agricultural input.
He stated that the move is part of the present administration’s commitment to improving agricultural production and food security in the state.
According to him, “We have established an ambitious target of 3.6 million metric tonnes of annual rice production, and I am confident that with diligent farmers, committed stakeholders, and supportive partners, this goal can be achieved.”
“For the current dry season alone, over 58,500 farmers across 27 localities will cultivate more than 130,000 hectares using improved seed varieties, modern cultivation techniques, including fertilization, weed control, and irrigation.”
“This initiative aims not simply for increased output but for complete transformation. Through the Rice Value Chain Development project, we will roll out full mechanization, processing hub development, and improved access to local and global markets.
“We pledge to transform Jigawa into Nigeria’s leading rice producer and a vibrant agribusiness and rural prosperity center.
“As we advance, I urge all farmers to make the most of this opportunity. You have my assurance that this administration will sustain the necessary backing and policies for success.
“Working together, we will build a stronger, self-reliant Jigawa, powered by agricultural growth and lasting community development.”
He urged farmers to continue supporting government policies and programs aimed at diversifying the state economy, and also promised to take action against anybody found selling or diverting the inputs.
Speaking on the occasion, Jigawa State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Namadi Ringim, commended the governor for transforming the agricultural sector by adopting modern farming tools.
He called on farmers across the state to make good use of agricultural accessories provided to them judiciously for the intended purpose as such support was a revolving facility.
