Kaduna State embarked on a significant agricultural empowerment initiative spearheaded by Governor Uba Sani, targeting smallholder farmers as the cornerstone of food security and rural prosperity. The initiative revolves around two core components: the distribution of free fertilizer and the introduction of a crop risk insurance scheme. This dual approach signifies a proactive strategy to bolster agricultural productivity while mitigating potential losses due to unforeseen circumstances, ultimately enhancing the livelihoods of farmers and contributing to the state’s economic growth.
The fertilizer distribution program, a cornerstone of the governor’s “farmer-first policy,” saw 400 trucks of fertilizer distributed, providing each of the 100,000 participating smallholder farmers with two free bags. This gesture, hailed as unique to Kaduna State, demonstrates a sustained commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members of the agricultural community. The free provision of this essential input aims to reduce the financial burden on smallholder farmers, enabling them to invest more effectively in their farming activities and increase their output. This direct support is crucial for improving food security and empowering rural communities to thrive.
Complementing the fertilizer distribution, the newly unveiled Crop Risk Insurance Scheme provides a safety net for farmers against the unpredictable nature of agriculture. This insurance shields farmers from potential losses arising from a range of threats, including pests, diseases, and increasingly volatile weather patterns attributed to climate change. By mitigating these risks, the scheme encourages greater investment in agriculture, assuring farmers that their efforts are protected against unforeseen events that could otherwise cripple their livelihoods. This forward-thinking approach recognizes the impact of climate change on agricultural practices and offers a proactive solution to safeguard farmers’ investments and promote sustainable agricultural development.
Beyond supporting smallholder farmers, Governor Sani extended the agricultural empowerment initiative to encompass commercial farmers. Recognizing their role in the broader agricultural landscape, the government launched a subsidized fertilizer program, offering eligible commercial farmers access to 10 bags of fertilizer at a 40% discount. This initiative aims to reduce production costs for commercial farmers, encouraging increased production, stimulating employment opportunities within the agricultural sector, and ultimately stabilizing commodity prices in the open market. This comprehensive approach ensures that various segments of the agricultural community benefit from government support, fostering a balanced and thriving agricultural ecosystem.
Governor Sani attributed the notable achievements in the agricultural sector to improved security across the state. This improvement has opened up previously inaccessible farmlands, enabling greater agricultural activity and boosting overall productivity. The enhanced security environment creates a more conducive atmosphere for farming, encouraging investment and expansion in the sector. This, in turn, contributes to increased food production and economic growth for the state. Furthermore, the governor highlighted various other interventions, including support for dry season farming, the implementation of a ginger recovery program, and the deployment of 200 tractors to promote mechanized farming, all aimed at modernizing and enhancing agricultural practices.
The Kaduna State government’s commitment to agricultural transformation is underscored by a significant increase in budgetary allocation to the sector. The allocation has risen from N1.48 billion in 2023 to a projected N74.02 billion in 2025, representing a substantial jump from 0.4% to 10% of the total state budget. This substantial increase signifies a deliberate policy shift, prioritizing agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and improved living standards for the people of Kaduna State. This financial commitment demonstrates the government’s resolve to elevate agriculture from a subsistence activity to a vibrant and prosperous engine of economic development. The overall strategy implemented by Governor Sani aims to create a robust and resilient agricultural sector, benefiting both smallholder and commercial farmers, and ultimately ensuring food security and economic prosperity for Kaduna State. By addressing the needs of different segments of the agricultural community, the government is fostering a holistic and sustainable approach to agricultural development.
