By Saliu Aliu, Kano

The Jigawa State Government in North West Nigeria, has Launched Rice Value Chain Development initiative, aimed at positioning the state as Nigeria’s leading rice producer.

The initiative was launched during the flagg off of the 2025 Dry Season Rice Production and Mechanization Programme in Auyo Local Government Area.

The ambitious programme targets an annual rice production of 3.6 million metric tonnes through the cultivation of 1.2 million hectares of land.

Speaking at event, Governor Umar Namadi described the launch as a turning point in the state’s agricultural development agenda.

He said, “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.”

The Governor noted that, Jigawa is already the second-largest rice-producing state in Nigeria and adding that, the new programme will deepen this achievement.

Under the initiative he explained, 58,500 farmers will benefit from subsidized inputs such as certified seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals, and access to irrigation equipment, including 20,000 water pumps, 10,000 solar-powered and 10,000 fuel-powered, to ensure efficient water supply during the dry season.

“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.”

The Governor further highlighted the state’s broader mechanization agenda, including 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,” he said.

To promote transparency, Governor Namadi said, the state is implementing the Jigawa Input Voucher System to ensure accountability in input distribution.

“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.”

Technical Adviser on Agriculture, Dr. Saifullahi Umar, in his keynote address, described rice as “the bedrock of food security, a critical driver of household incomes, and a strategic commodity in our national agricultural transformation agenda.”

A press statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Jigawa Governor Hamisu Gumel said, in line with financial sustainability, the programme offers tailored input loans with flexible repayment structures.

Published Date: April 13, 2025