Jigawa govt to expand dry season rice production

The Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi said his administration will increase dry season rice production from 200,000 to 500,000 hectares by 2030.

The governor made the disclosure in his address presented at the launching of this 2025 dry season rice production programme in Jura village in the Auyo local government area of the state.

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Namadi explained that within an overall vision of an agricultural transformation agenda, the state government increased the dry season rice production from less than 100,000 to 200,000 hectares in the 2023/2024 season.

He said the government would distribute 20,000 solar and gasoline water pump machines, improve Rice seedlings, NPK and Urea fertiliser, herbicide and pesticide to be paid after the season.

He said, “Our hope is to increase the dry season rice production from the current 200,000 hectares, ultimately to cultivate 1.2 million hectares. In the rainy season, farming in the state would produce 3.6 million metric tons of rice.”

The governor noted that the state government provides rice dry season farmers with soft loans with 30, 20, and 10 per cent subsidy.

Namadi maintained that under the programme, over fifty-eight thousand farmers will benefit from the subsidised agricultural input.

He stated that the move is part of the present administration’s commitment to improving agricultural production and food security in the state.

The governor said, “We have established an ambitious target of 3.6 million metric tonnes of annual rice production, and I am confident that with diligent farmers, committed stakeholders, and supportive partners, this goal can be achieved.

“For the current dry season alone, over 58,500 farmers across 27 localities will cultivate more than 130,000 hectares using improved seed varieties, modern cultivation techniques including fertilization, weed control, and irrigation.

“This initiative aims not simply for increased output but complete transformation. Through the Rice Value Chain Development project, we will roll out full mechanisation, processing hub development, and improved access to local and global markets. We pledge to transform Jigawa into Nigeria’s leading rice producer and a vibrant agribusiness and rural prosperity center.

“As we advance, I urge all farmers to make the most of this opportunity. You have my assurance that this administration will sustain the necessary backing and policies for success.

“Working together, we will build a stronger, self-reliant Jigawa powered by agricultural growth and lasting community development.”

He warned against selling or diverting agricultural inputs meant for the 2025 rice dry season farming programme in the state and urged farmers to continue supporting government policy and programs aimed at diversifying the state economy, also promising to take action against anybody found selling or diverting the inputs.