In a bid to empower our farmers and re-energize the agricultural sector in Kaduna State, I flagged off the distribution of 500 trucks (about 15,000 metric tonnes) to farmers across Kaduna State. 240,000 bags will be distributed to 120,000 smallholder farmers for free.
The smallholder farmers who would benefit from this exercise were carefully selected by an all inclusive, non-partisan Committee made up of representatives of the Kaduna State Chapter of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kaduna State Council of Chiefs, Kaduna Elders Forum, Nigeria Labour Congress, Religious Bodies, Security Agencies, and the Kaduna State Government.
Key stakeholders who spoke at the well attended flag off ceremony which took place at Murtala Square, Kaduna commended our administration for the initiative, stating that it is the first time farmers are being given fertilizers of this magnitude for free, adding that it will help in boosting the agricultural sector and enhancing food security in the state.
The free fertilizer initiative clearly demonstrates our steadfast commitment to empowering our farmers and re-energizing our agricultural sector. Agriculture is not only the backbone of our state’s economy but also a vital contributor to our overall growth and development. In the 2024 Budget of Kaduna State, we allocated N22.54 billion to the agricultural sector. This allocation marks a significant increase from previous years and demonstrates our resolve to cultivate a vibrant agricultural ecosystem.
Since taking office in May 2023, we have made remarkable progress in enhancing food security, promoting rural livelihoods, and driving economic growth across the state. Our Tallafin Noma (A Koma Gona) targeted 42,000 smallholder farmers and cooperatives across the state’s 23 LGAs. We have distributed quality seeds, agrochemicals, NPK and urea fertilizers, power tillers, vegetable grinders, and knapsack sprayers with personal protective equipment. This support aims to help farmers recover and enhance their productivity.
To support all year-round farming, we have procured solar-powered irrigation pumps for smallholder farmers, ensuring consistent agricultural productivity even during the dry season.The state government has successfully attracted the Africa Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC) project to Kaduna State. This cutting-edge facility, supported by the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIMbank), will provide testing, certification, and inspection services for agricultural products. This initiative will position Kaduna as a hub for these essential services, benefiting Nigeria and neighboring African countries, and further enhancing our agricultural sector.
In response to the outbreak of the ginger blight epidemic which cost our farmers and state billions of Naira, we distributed 12,800 units of agrochemicals and secured a N1.6 billion recovery package from the National Agricultural Development Fund to assist farmers in relaunching their livelihoods. Similarly, in response to the severe Fall Armyworm (FAW) infestation in maize fields across the state, we implemented, in collaboration with the Institute of Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, a statewide emergency response plan and provided pesticides to all the 23 local governments of the State to combat the outbreak.
In the livestock sub-sector, we successfully vaccinated animals and provided pre-exposure vaccinations to various veterinary and community workers. Furthermore, we recently launched a comprehensive vaccination campaign against Anthrax and other Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs).
Our administration has embarked on aggressive construction of rural roads in the 23 local governments of the state. These infrastructure improvements will enhance access to markets, reduce post-harvest losses, and boost food security and economic empowerment.
These initiatives are part of our comprehensive strategy to enhance agricultural productivity, improve rural infrastructure, and support our farmers. I therefore urge our farmers to use these fertilizers responsibly and efficiently. We are optimistic that these measures will maximize our harvests and strengthen the food security of Kaduna State and our nation.
Senator Uba Sani,
Governor, Kaduna State.
August 12th, 2024.
