By Victoria Onehi
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has donated Free Agricultural inputs namely; 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 to the Jigawa State Government.
This is to support Agricultural Transformation in the state, increase production as well as achieve Food and Nutrition Security.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari stated that the free agricultural inputs would assist in driving down food inflation while helping farmers transit from producing for consumption to making good money from agribusiness.
Speaking during the 2025 Wheat Farmers Green Field Celebration organised by Jigawa State Government and the Flour Milling Association of Nigeria (FMAN), held in Dabi village, Ringim Local Government Area, Jigawa State, recently, the Minister noted that agriculture is the cornerstone of Jigawa State’s economy and has contributed over 60% of the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and employed more than 90% of its population.
He said:‘’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 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.
He said:”In that year, the timely provision of inputs at subsidised prices, coupled with the commitment and resilience of the farmers, led to a bumper harvest.”
In a statement,the Minister said 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 subsidised agricultural inputs.”The Minister added.
Kyari 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 organisations. He commended the Flour Milling Association of Nigeria for creating a thriving agricultural community in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda for Food and Nutrition Security of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
In his remarks, the Governor of Jigawa State, Mallam Umar Namadi 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 Agricultural sector, which has led to groundbreaking agricultural innovations and milestones in achieving national food security.
“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.”Namadi said.
In his welcome address, the National Program Manager, Flour Milling Association of Nigeria, FMAN, Dr. Aliyu Samaila said that this year, FMAN, 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.
Highlight of the event was the distribution of agricultural inputs to the smallholder farmers and inspection of Wheat farms in Ringim Local Government Area.
In attendance were 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.
