FG Presents 10,000 Water Pumps To Irrigation Farmers In Jigawa
By: Ahmed Aminu, Dutse
Jigawa State government has confirmed the receipt of 10,000 water pumps from the Federal Government for distribution to irrigation farmers in the state.
This was disclosed by the Technical Adviser to the governor on Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Sefullahi Umar.
He told The Syndicate that the water pumps were to support rice farmers in the state.
According to him, the state government hss also procured 10, 000 solar powered water pumps for the dry season rice farmers across the 27 local government areas of the state.
The Technical Adviser explained that the 20, 000 water pumps will greatly support dry season farmers to improve their production and contribute significantly to national food security.
Dr. Sefullahi said, “under the Rice Value Chain Development Project (RVCDP) the state government intended to support 58,000 rice irrigation farmers to cultivate about 200,000 hectres in the current dry season.
“The state government would distribute 20,000 solar and gasoline water pumps, 2500 bags of improved rice seedlings, 200,000 bags of NPK 15-15-15, 150,000 Urea fertilizers, 50,000 litres of herbicide, 50,000 sachet of fungicide and 100,000 litres each of herbicides and pesticides.
“We have established an ambitious target of 3.6 million metric tonnes of annual rice production, and I am confident that with diligent farmers, committed stakeholders, and supportive partners, this goal can be achieved.”
He said for the current dry season alone, over 58,500 farmers across 27 localities will cultivate more than 130,000 hectares using improved seed varieties, and modern cultivation techniques.
“This initiative aims not simply for increased output but complete transformation. Through the Rice Value Chain Development project, we will roll out full mechanization, processing hub development, and improved access to local and global markets.
“We pledge to transform Jigawa into Nigeria’s leading rice producer and a vibrant agribusiness and rural prosperity center,” the official added.
The Technical Adviser stated further that 50,000 of the beneficiaries are small holder farmers cultivating between 0.5 and 1 hectare, while approximately 8,500 are cultivating between 2 and 5 hectares.
“Overall, more than 80% of the beneficiaries are smallholders who will enjoy subsidies ranging from 20% to 30%, while large-scale farmers will receive a 10% subsidy.”
Dr. Sefullahi explained that a farmer cultivating one hectare will receive 50kg of Faro 44 rice seed, four bags of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer, three bags of urea, one liter each of insecticide and fungicide, and two liters each of pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides.
He said farmers cultivating 0.5 hectares will receive half of the package.
