Hussaini Kafi in Kano
Governor Mallam Umar Namadi on Saturday flagged off the 2025 Dry Season Rice Production Programme and launched the Jigawa Rice Value Chain Development Initiative, aimed at positioning the state as Nigeria’s leading rice producer.
The ambitious programme targets an annual rice output of 3.6 million metric tonnes through the cultivation of 1.2 million hectares of land.
Speaking at the launch event in Auyo Local Government Area, Governor Namadi described the initiative as a major turning point in the state’s agricultural development.
“This event is more than just another agricultural initiative—it embodies our collective determination to position Jigawa State as Nigeria’s agricultural powerhouse and a key contributor to national food security,” he said.
Namadi noted that Jigawa is already the second-largest rice-producing state in Nigeria and expressed confidence that the new programme will consolidate and expand this achievement.
As part of the initiative, 58,500 farmers will benefit from subsidized inputs, including certified seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals, and access to irrigation equipment. This includes 20,000 water pumps—10,000 solar-powered and 10,000 fuel-powered—to support efficient dry season farming.
Governor Namadi further outlined the state’s long-term goals:
“Our goal is to reach 500,000 hectares of dry season rice cultivation by 2030, with the long-term objective of cultivating 1.2 million hectares annually to produce 3.6 million metric tonnes of rice.”
He also emphasized the state’s broader mechanization drive, which includes the procurement of 360 tractors, 70 combine harvesters, and the establishment of the Jigawa Farm Mechanization Service Company to provide affordable mechanization services to farmers.
“We are building a fully mechanized agriculture sector—from land preparation to harvesting,” the governor said.
To ensure transparency and accountability in the programme, Namadi said the state has introduced the Jigawa Input Voucher System.
“We will not tolerate any form of malpractice—whether input diversion, loan default, or other sharp practices. These resources represent the hard work and sacrifice of all Jigawa citizens, and we will protect them vigorously.”
In his keynote address, Dr. Saifullahi Umar, Technical Adviser on Agriculture, described rice as “the bedrock of food security, a critical driver of household incomes, and a strategic commodity in our national agricultural transformation agenda.”
He explained that the programme is structured around five pillars: access to inputs, extension services, financing, climate-smart practices, and robust data systems.
The 58,500 participating farmers will be organized into 1,170 clusters for better monitoring and support. Each cluster will receive training in best agronomic practices, irrigation efficiency, and financial management.
Extension agents will be equipped with tools such as the RiceAdvice mobile app to enhance advisory services.
To promote financial sustainability, the programme offers input loans with flexible repayment options.
“Repayment of input loans can be made in cash or in-kind and will be due at the end of the 2025 dry season. For solar water pump beneficiaries, we have designed a convenient installment plan spread over several seasons,” Umar said.
