Gov Namadi flags off 2026 wet season farming, distributes solar pumps, fertilizers, extension motorcycles
By Ali Baba-Inuwa
Gov. Umar Namadi has unveiled one of the most ambitious agricultural support interventions in Jigawa State’s history, flagging off the distribution of 6,000 solar-powered irrigation pumps, fertilisers for 90,000 farmers and 1,185 motorcycles for agricultural extension workers as part of his administration’s ongoing effort to revolutionise agriculture, strengthen food security and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the state.
The intervention, launched on Saturday at Dutse Township Stadium under the 2026 Wet Season Agricultural Support Program, highlights the government’s dogged commitment to modernising agriculture through climate-smart technology, improved access to farm inputs, enhanced extension services, and innovative agricultural financing.
Speaking during the event, Namadi described agriculture as the backbone of Jigawa’s economy and reiterated his administration’s resolve to support farmers with the resources required to increase productivity, embrace modern farming practices, and transition from age-old subsistence farming to commercial farming.
“Over the last three years, we have supported farmers through wet-season and dry-season production, input support, irrigation, mechanisation, extension delivery, and agricultural financing. We are also mindful of the challenges faced by farmers, especially timely access to quality inputs, rising energy costs, and other production expenses,” he said.
The distribution of 6,000 solar-powered irrigation pumps marks a major milestone in the state’s quest to expand irrigation farming, reduce dependence on rainfall and promote year-round agricultural production.
To further boost crop production during the 2026 wet season, the governor announced fertiliser support for 90,000 farmers across the state, explaining that 50,000 farmers will benefit directly under the Jigawa State Government’s agricultural support programme, while an additional 40,000 farmers will receive subsidised inputs through a strategic partnership involving the Bank of Agriculture and StarAgri under the Renewed Hope Smallholder Support and Value Chain Fund.
Recognising the critical role of extension services in modern agriculture, Namadi also flagged off the distribution of 1,185 motorcycles to J-AGRO extension agents to improve their mobility and ensure timely delivery of technical support, advisory services and climate-smart farming practices to communities across the state.
According to the governor, bringing extension workers closer to farmers will accelerate the adoption of improved farming technologies, increase productivity and strengthen resilience against climate-related challenges.
Namadi noted that the latest intervention builds upon the remarkable achievements already recorded under his administration’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda.
“Our agricultural transformation efforts are already producing practical results. So far, we have supported over 250,000 farmers through inputs, mechanisation, irrigation, extension services, and targeted support for youth and women in agribusiness.”
The administration has also recruited 1,700 extension agents, procured 450 tractors, 70 combine harvesters and numerous other farm implements, established 20 modern greenhouses, developed four Climate-Smart Agriculture Centres, rehabilitated the Kuda and Dembo Dams, and commenced the development of 200 five-in-one rice commercial processing clusters strategically located across the state’s three senatorial districts.
“These interventions are reducing drudgery, improving productivity, expanding irrigation, supporting value addition, and making agriculture more attractive to young people and women.”
Reaffirming his long-term vision, Governor Namadi said:
“As our people wisely say, Noma Tushen Arziki— farming is the foundation of prosperity. This belief continues to guide our vision to make Jigawa State a leading food basket, a centre for mechanisation and irrigation, and a hub for seed production, agro-processing, climate-smart agriculture, and agribusiness investment. We want Made in Jigawa to stand for quality, productivity, and value in agricultural markets.”
The governor emphasised that the success of the intervention would ultimately be measured by improved harvests, higher farmer incomes, increased irrigated farming, stronger food security and sustained economic growth.
“Let every input delivered, every pump installed, and every extension visit made translate into stronger harvests, better incomes, and renewed hope for our people. Our conviction remains that when we strengthen the farmer, we strengthen the future of Jigawa State.”
Earlier, the Director General of the Jigawa State Agricultural Transformation Agency (JATA), Dr Saifullahi Umar, explained that the 2026 Wet Season Agricultural Support Programme integrates subsidised inputs, irrigation support, extension services, agricultural financing and digital farmer management into a single coordinated intervention.
He said all beneficiaries are selected through the state’s newly established Farmer Registry, where farmers undergo biometric registration and verification before receiving secure SMS notifications and electronic allocations, a process designed to eliminate middlemen, improve transparency and ensure that government support reaches genuine farmers.
Umar added that through partnerships with the Bank of Agriculture and StarAgri, eligible farmers can also access affordable agricultural financing with flexible repayment arrangements tied to post-harvest grain delivery, thereby reducing financial barriers to increased production.
