The Federal Government has donated Agricultural inputs worth over N5b to Jigawa state Government to enhance food production across the state.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Yari stated this at the 2025 Wheat Farmers Green Field Celebration organized by Jigawa State Government and the Flour Milling Association of Nigeria (FMAN), held in Dabi village, Ringim Local Government Area, Jigawa State.
A statement by the Assistant Director, information in the ministry , Ezeaja Ikemefuna issued in Abuja indicates that the items includes 10,000 Water Pumps with all accessories, 10,000 pieces of Knapsack’s sprayers, 10.000 liters of Herbicides, 10,000 liters of Pesticide and 10,000 liters of Organic Fertilizers.
Senator Kyari who noted that the inputs will support Agricultural Transformation in the state, increase production as well as achieve Food and Nutrition Security, added that it would help to reduce food inflation and also assist farmers transit from producing for consumption to making good money from agribusiness.
According to the minister, agriculture is the cornerstone of Jigawa State’s economy, contributed over 60% of the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and employed more than 90% of its population.
‘’Jigawa is renowned for its food crop production, livestock farming, and cash crop exports, notably sesame and hibiscus flower which has positioned the state as one of the leading producers of sesame, and the largest producer of hibiscus in Nigeria.
He further revealed that ‘’during the 2023/2024 wheat production season, Federal Government through the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro Pocket Programme (NAGS-AP) supported the cultivation of 40,000 hectares of wheat in Jigawa State, while the state government and other partners contributed to an additional 15,000 hectares, resulting in a total production of over 55,000 hectares’’.
“In that year, the timely provision of inputs at subsidized prices, coupled with the commitment and resilience of the farmers, led to a bumper harvest,”
“Following the success recorded in Jigawa State last season, the Federal Government agreed to increase its intervention and support to 60,000 hectares, while the state and other partners will cover an additional 20,000 hectares, bringing the total to 80,000 hectares, Today, we are here to celebrate the cultivation of over 80,000 hectares of wheat, with more than 160,000 farmers supported through subsidized agricultural inputs”, the Minister added.
The Minister lauded the collaborative efforts of the African Development Bank under the amiable leadership of the Bank’s President, Dr. Akinwunmi Ayodeji Adesina who supported the platform that birthed the NAGS-AP, the World Food Programme, other Multinational organizations and the Flour Milling Association of Nigeria for thriving agricultural community in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda for Food and Nutrition Security of President bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The Jigawa state Governor, Mallam Umar Namadi in his remarks reaffirmed his administration’s commitment towards supporting the agricultural sector, which is a cornerstone for achieving food security and prosperity in the state and the country.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Renewed Hope Agenda in the Agric sector, which has led to groundbreaking agricultural innovations and milestones in achieving national food security.
Governor added that “In Jigawa State, we are targeting to expand our wheat production to 500,000 hectares by 2030, and we will partner with any potential collaborators to achieve this goal,”
In his welcome address, the National Program Manager, Flour Milling Association of Nigeria, Dr. Aliyu Samaila said the association in collaboration with Jigawa State Government, is supporting 10,000 farmers with input loans while training over 50,000 farmers across six wheat producing states
He added that FMAN had established 200 demonstration farms and centres of excellence, equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills needed for higher yields and better productivity.
The highlight of the event was the distribution of agricultural inputs to the small holder farmers and inspection of Wheat farms in Ringim Local Government Area.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Directors of FMAFS, Members of Flour Milling Association of Nigeria, Rep of All Farmers Association of Nigeria, among others.