Jigawa launches wet‑season farming program, supplying fertilizer to 90,000 farmers

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State explained that the 2026 Wet Season Agricultural Support Programme was created to tackle key obstacles faced by farmers, such as the high cost of inputs, insufficient irrigation facilities, limited extension services, and increasing production expenses.

He announced this on Saturday during the official launch of the programme at the Dutse Township Stadium.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to removing obstacles to agricultural productivity and bolstering food security across the state.

Namadi acknowledged that many Jigawa farmers still struggle with timely access to quality inputs, rising energy costs, and escalating production expenses.

He said the intervention programme was carefully crafted to give farmers the inputs, equipment, and support services they need to start the season productively.

“Our administration is mindful of the challenges faced by farmers, especially timely access to quality inputs, rising energy costs and other production expenses. This programme is a practical intervention to help farmers enter the season with the inputs, equipment and services they need for productive cultivation,” the governor said.

He announced that the state would supply subsidised fertiliser to 90,000 farmers during the 2026 wet season. Of these, 50,000 will receive direct support from the government, while another 40,000 will benefit through a partnership with the Bank of Agriculture and StarAgri.

To address high energy costs and promote irrigation, Namadi revealed that the government will distribute 6,000 high‑capacity solar‑powered water pumps to farmers involved in year‑round agriculture.

He also announced that 1,185 motorcycles would be supplied to extension workers to enhance their mobility and ensure farmers receive timely technical assistance.

Namadi noted that Jigawa’s agricultural transformation agenda has already benefited over 250,000 farmers through interventions such as subsidised inputs, mechanisation services, irrigation support, extension services, and programmes aimed at young people and women in agribusiness.

He reiterated the administration’s determination to turn Jigawa into a leading agricultural hub by investing continuously in mechanisation, irrigation, seed production, agro‑processing, and climate‑smart agriculture.

Dr Saifullahi Umar, Director General of the Jigawa Agricultural Transformation Agency (JATA), urged beneficiaries to use the support responsibly and repay credit facilities promptly to ensure the sustainability and growth of the programmes.

Alhaji Maiunguwa Jaga, chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Jigawa, called the intervention timely and capable of transforming the state’s agricultural output.