The Jigawa State Government has launched a dry season rice production programme, setting its sights on producing 3.6 million metric tonnes of rice annually. This follows the development of over 1.2 million hectares under Governor Umar Namadi’s all-season farming initiative.

At the flag-off event in Auyo Local Government Area, Governor Namadi revealedthe Jigawa Rice Value Chain Development Initiative, hailing it as a pivotal step in transforming the state into Nigeria’s top rice producer.

“This initiative signifies more than agricultural reform; our commitment is to national food security,” the governor stated. With plans to cultivate 500,000 hectares of rice during the dry season by 2030, the State is laying the groundwork to expand to 1.2 million hectares yearly.

The programme will benefit 58,500 farmers, providing them with subsidised certified seeds, fertilisers, agrochemicals, and irrigation equipment, including 20,000 solar-powered and fuel-powered water pumps. This aligns with Jigawa’s mechanisation agenda, which includes the procurement of 360 tractors and 70 combine harvesters, supported by the newly established Jigawa Farm Mechanisation Service Company.

Reiterating the importance of transparency, the governor introduced the Jigawa Input Voucher System to combat malpractices in input distribution. 

“We are committed to safeguarding resources entrusted to us by the people,” he asserted.

Technical Adviser on Agriculture, Saifullahi Umar, highlighted rice’s pivotal role in food security and economic empowerment. He outlined the initiative’s five pillars: input access, extension services, finance, climate-smart techniques, and data systems.

Jigawa is currently Nigeria’s second-largest rice producer. This programme aims to cement Jigawa’s leadership in rice production, empower rural livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Source: BusinessDay

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