Namadi sets annual target to achieve 3.6 million metric tonnes of rice

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa state, has set an annual target to produce 3.6 million metric tonnes of rice, through the cultivation of 1.2 million hectares of land.

Namadi made this known at the official launch of the 2025 Dry Season Rice Production Programme and launch of the Jigawa Rice Value Chain Development initiative, aimed at positioning the state as Nigeria’s leading rice producer.

Speaking at the event in Auyo Local Government Area of Jigawa state, Namadi described the launch as a turning point in the state’s agricultural development agenda.

“Our goal is to reach 500,000 hectares of dry season rice cultivation by 2030, with the long-term objective of cultivating 1.2 million hectares annually to produce 3.6 million metric tonnes of rice.

“This event is more than just another agricultural initiative, it embodies our collective determination to position Jigawa State as Nigeria’s agricultural powerhouse and a key contributor to national food security,” he said.

He noted that Jigawa state is already the second-largest rice-producing state in Nigeria, saying that the new programme will deepen this achievement.

Under the initiative, according to the governor,  58,500 farmers will benefit from subsidized inputs such as certified seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals, and access to irrigation equipment.

The equipment include 20,000 water pumps, 10,000 solar-powered and 10,000 fuel-powered machines, to ensure efficient water supply during the dry season.

Namadi further highlighted the state’s broader mechanization agenda, including the procurement of 360 tractors, 70 combined harvesters, and the establishment of the Jigawa Farm Mechanization Service Company, to provide affordable mechanization services to farmers.

“We are building a fully mechanized agricultural sector, from land preparation to harvesting,” he said.

To promote transparency, Governor Namadi however, said the state is implementing the Jigawa Input Voucher System, to ensure accountability in input distribution.

He warned against any form of malpractice, ranging from input diversion, loan default and other sharp practices, saying that the resources represent the hard work and sacrifice of Jigawa citizens and will be protected vigorously.”

In a keynote address, the Technical Adviser to the governor on agriculture,  Dr. Saifullahi Umar, described rice as “the bedrock of food security and a critical driver of household incomes.

He added that it is a strategic commodity in the state’s and national agricultural transformation agenda.

Umar explained that the programme is built around five pillars, which are access to inputs, extension services, financing, climate-smart practices and robust data systems.

He revealed that the 58,500 farmers, will be grouped into 1,170 clusters to ease monitoring and support, and each cluster will receive hands-on training in best agronomic practices, irrigation efficiency, and financial management.

Extension agents he explained, will be equipped with tools such as the RiceAdvice mobile app to improve advisory services.

In line with financial sustainability, the Technical Adviser revealed that the programme offers tailored input loans with flexible repayment structures.

“Repayment of input loans can be made in cash or in-kind and will be due at the end of the 2025 dry season. For solar water pump beneficiaries, we have designed a convenient installment plan spread over several seasons,” he said.

Aisha Ahmed writes from Dutse