Jigawa Govt Targets 500,000 Hectares of Dry Season Rice Cultivation by 2030, Empowers 58,000 Farmers

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has announced plans to expand dry season rice cultivation from 200,000 to 500,000 hectares by the year 2030.

The governor made this known during the launch of the 2025 Dry Season Rice Production Programme held in Jura village, Auyo Local Government Area.

Malam Namadi explained that as part of the administration’s agricultural transformation agenda, dry season rice cultivation had already increased from less than 100,000 hectares to 200,000 hectares during the 2023/2024 farming season.

“Our goal is to expand dry season cultivation from the current 200,000 hectares, and in the rainy season, cultivate up to 1.2 million hectares. This would enable Jigawa to produce 3.6 million metric tonnes of rice annually,” he said.

He disclosed that under this initiative, 58,000 rice farmers would be empowered with soft loans, including subsidies of 30%, 20%, and 10%, depending on the category.

The governor also announced plans to distribute 20,000 solar and gasoline-powered water pump machines, improved rice seedlings, NPK and Urea fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, all to be repaid after the harvest season.

According to him, “This programme is part of our administration’s commitment to boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring food security across the state.”

He added, “We have set an ambitious target of producing 3.6 million metric tonnes of rice annually. With dedicated farmers, committed stakeholders, and the support of our partners, I am confident this goal is achievable.”

“For the current dry season alone, more than 58,500 farmers across the 27 local government areas will cultivate over 130,000 hectares using improved seed varieties and modern farming techniques, including fertilization, weed control, and irrigation,” the governor noted.

The initiative, he said, goes beyond increasing output. “Through the Rice Value Chain Development Project, we aim for complete transformation—introducing full mechanization, establishing processing hubs, and improving market access both locally and internationally. Our vision is to make Jigawa the leading rice-producing state in Nigeria and a hub for agribusiness and rural development.”

Governor Namadi called on farmers to take full advantage of the opportunity and assured them of continuous government support through enabling policies and programs.

He also issued a stern warning against the sale or diversion of agricultural inputs meant for the 2025 rice dry season programme. “We will take strict action against anyone found guilty of diverting these resources,” he said, urging farmers to continue supporting government efforts to diversify the state’s economy.