FG distributes subsidised wheat seeds to 80,000 farmers in Jigawa
By: Ahmed Aminu, Dutse
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has so far distributed subsidised wheat seeds and bags of fertiliser to over 60 percent of the targeted 80,000 dry season farmers in Jigawa State.
The Coordinator of the ministry in the state, Engr. Saleh Salisu, made this known to newsmen while on inspection visit to the inputs’ distribution centres across the state.
While assessing the progress of the distribution at Tsakuwawa centre in Miga local government area, he assured that the 2025 wheat production season was on course.
“Over 60,000 farmers have been registered for wheat production under National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pokect Inputs Packages for NAGS 2024/2025 Dry Season in Jigawa state.
“So far, over 60 percent had been redeemed, made the payment and collected their packages across the state,” he added.
According to him, the programme, supported by African Department Bank (ADB), is part of federal government’s agenda for food security and reduction of unemployment.
“Out of the total 80,000 packages allocated to Jigawa state, 60,000 were registered, and the distribution exercise has already commenced in 64 centres across the 27 local government areas in the state.
“As you can see, the package for each beneficiary is three bags of NPK, two bags of Urea fertilizer and one bag of certified 50kg wheat seeds, at a subsidized rate of only N159,189.50.
“Every beneficiary has been sent an SMS of an allocation after being successfully registered through his or her mobile phones. After receiving the SMS notification the farmer will go to his or her closest redeeming center to be screened, pay and redeem the commodity.
“As you are witnessing here, this is what is happening in all the 64 centers presently all over the state.”
Salisu attributed the earlier delay witnessed in the commencement of the distribution of the inputs to inadequate storage facilities, late arrival of the commodities, and the uncooperative nature of some of the farmers.
In Tsakuwawa, some of the farmers however decried the delay being experienced in the distribution of the inputs, saying time for wheat planting is almost over.
One of the farmers, Malam Hashimu Saidu said he has been shuttling from his Harbo Sabuwa village for over a week to collect the inputs but to no avail.
“I have been coming to this centre after receiving SMS alert for seven days now, but I have not succeeded in getting the allocation.
“First of all, the officials and representative of the dealer are not coming to the centre, and when they come, they arrive late and close early. This is the reason for the congestion today and why the exercise is not moving,” Hashimu added.
