Muhammad Alabira Nabordo
The Jigawa State Government has received 10,000 water pump machines from the Federal Government to support dry season rice production across the 27 Local Government Areas of the state.
The state government has also procured 10,000 solar-powered water pumps to be distributed to dry season rice farmers across board.
This was disclosed recently by Dr Selfullahi Umar, Technical Adviser to Governor Umar Namadi on Agriculture and Food Security while fielding questions from newsmen in Dutse.
Dr Umar disclosed that the state is ready to support 58,000 rice irrigation farmers to cultivate about 200,000 hectares with subsidized agricultural inputs.
He said the “Rice Value Chain Development Project” (RVCDP) was established to transform and improve rice production, create job opportunities, and promote economic sustainability among the rural farmers.
“The state government plans to distribute various agricultural inputs, including 20,000 solar and gasoline water pump machines, 2,500 improved rice seedlings, and fertilizers.
“The initiative aimed at achieving an ambitious target of 3.6 million metric tonnes of annual rice production.
“The project will benefit over 58,500 farmers across 27 localities, with more than 80% being smallholder farmers who will enjoy subsidies ranging from 20% to 30%,” he stressed.
Dr. Umar further urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity to achieve the desired objectives.
“The State Government’s efforts to boost rice production are expected to have a positive impact on the state’s economy and food security, making Jigawa a leading rice producer in Nigeria,” he concluded.
