Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention to support farmers affected by dry spells and irregular rainfall in the state.
The governor stated this at the official flag-off of the distribution of certified improved seeds under the Renewed Hope Programme in Dutse, saying the intervention would help affected farmers recover lost production and strengthen food and nutrition security.
The programme, implemented by the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) in collaboration with the Jigawa State Government, will provide certified cowpea, sesame and groundnut seeds to about 5,000 farmers to enable them to resume production within the remaining planting window.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Engineer Aminu Usman, Governor Namadi described the intervention as timely and commended the Federal Government for supporting farmers who suffered losses due to unfavourable weather conditions.
He also praised NASC for its role in the development, regulation, quality assurance and certification of seeds, noting that its involvement would ensure that farmers received seeds that meet the required standards.
Governor Namadi said agriculture remained the backbone of Jigawa’s economy and the main source of livelihood for most residents, stressing that poor rainfall affects not only farm production but also household income, food availability, rural employment and market activities.
Under the intervention, 32 tonnes of cowpea seeds will be distributed to 3,200 farmers, while 8.35 tonnes of sesame seeds will be supplied to 835 farmers. Groundnut seeds, packaged in 10-kilogramme bags, will also be distributed to 900 farmers across the state.
The governor urged beneficiaries to make responsible use of the seeds and follow the guidance of agricultural extension agents on land preparation, planting, spacing, pest management and post-planting care.
He said the intervention aligned with his administration’s 12-Point Agenda and agricultural transformation programme aimed at improving productivity, expanding irrigation and mechanisation, promoting value addition, creating jobs and strengthening food and nutrition security.
Governor Namadi assured the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and NASC of the state government’s support to ensure that the seeds reached genuine farmers and achieved the intended impact.
Usman Mohammed Zaria
