The Jigawa State administration has created 30 facilities to distribute agricultural inputs to more than 54,000 dry-season rice farmers at a 30% subsidy.

The state governor’s technical adviser on agriculture and food security, Dr. Saifullahi Umar, revealed this to reporters during a briefing on the distribution effort.

He clarified that the project was created as part of the Jigawa Rice Production Programme, which aims to cultivate more than 200,000 hectares and is anticipated to reach 500,000 hectares by 2030.

According to Dr. Saifullahi, after registering on the state’s e-platform, the recipients received a text message with a unique identification code to redeem the inputs at the authorised centres.

According to him, the beneficiaries must pay 30 per cent of the input cost upfront, while the remaining 40 per cent would be paid after harvesting within a six-month grace period.

“The 30 per cent subsidy applies to farmers registered for 0.5 to 1 hectare, while large-scale farmers will enjoy a 10 per cent subsidy under the same repayment terms.

“The inputs include certified foundation seeds, fertiliser, herbicides and insecticides. Additionally, 20,000 solar-powered water pumps will be sold to farmers under a cluster programme,” he said.

Dr. Saifullahi said strictsafeguards have been put in place to ensurethat only qualified farmers receive the inputs. 

“Any attempt to divert the materials would be deemed sabotage against the state’s agricultural policy and would be dealt with decisively under the law,” he underlined.

Source: Leadership

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