Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has announced plans to expand the state’s dry season rice cultivation from the current 200,000 hectares to 500,000 hectares by the year 2030.
The governor made this known while addressing stakeholders during the launch of the 2025 Dry Season Rice Production Programme held in Jura village, Auyo Local Government Area.
Namadi noted that the expansion is part of the state’s broader agricultural transformation agenda.
He recalled that dry season rice farming in the state grew from less than 100,000 hectares to 200,000 hectares in the 2023/2024 season.
“Our goal is to scale up dry season rice production to 500,000 hectares, and ultimately cultivate 1.2 million hectares during the rainy season. This would enable Jigawa to produce up to 3.6 million metric tonnes of rice annually,” he said.
The governor also revealed that under the current programme, the state will empower 58,000 dry season rice farmers through soft loans, with subsidies of 30%, 20%, and 10% to ease their financial burden.
He said the government would distribute 20,000 solar and gasoline water pump machines, improve Rice seedlings, NPK and Urea fertilizer, herbicide and pesticide to be paid after the season.
Malam Umar Namadi maintained that under the programme over fifty eight thousand farmers will benefit from the subsidised agricultural input.
He stated that the move is part of the present administration’s commitment to improve Agricultural production and food security in the state.
According to him, “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”.
“For the current dry season alone, over 58,500 farmers across 27 localities will cultivate more than 130,000 hectares using improved seed varieties, modern cultivation techniques including fertilization, weed control, and irrigation”.
“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”.
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“As we advance, I urge all farmers to make the most of this opportunity. You have my assurance that this administration will sustain the necessary backing and policies for success”
“Working together, we will build a stronger, self-reliant Jigawa powered by agricultural growth and lasting community development”.
He warned against selling or diverting Agricultural inputs meant for the 2025 rice dry season farming programme in the state and urged farmers to continue supporting government policy and programs aimed at diversifying the state economy, also promised to take action against anybody found selling or diverting the inputs.