Jigawa Govt Approves N7bn for Rice Cultivation Programme

The Jigawa govt approves N7bn for the 2025 dry season rice cultivation programme to boost food security and empower local farmers.

The Jigawa State Government has approved N7 billion to support dry season rice cultivation in 2025, a move aimed at strengthening food security, empowering farmers, and making the state a hub for rice production in Nigeria. The fund will fast-track the Dry Season Rice Input Voucher System, ensuring timely delivery of seeds, fertilizers, and other vital farming inputs.

Jigawa Government’s Investment in Rice Farming

Speaking after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting in Dutse, the Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Mr. Sagir Musa, confirmed the government’s approval.

He explained that:

The N7bn allocation will go directly to Agro-Inputs Dealers and Service Providers.
The initiative is part of the broader 2025 dry season rice cultivation programme.
An additional N3.26bn was redeemed by agro-farmers from the last farming season, bringing the total investment to N10.3bn.

This reflects the state’s commitment to agricultural transformation, ensuring rural farmers have access to the right tools for higher yields.

For comparison, you can read about other state-backed agricultural projects on Androidpols Agriculture Updates.

Why the Rice Cultivation Programme Matters

Nigeria continues to battle rising food prices and an over-dependence on rice imports. Jigawa’s proactive investment is designed to:

Boost food security by increasing local rice production
Empower smallholder farmers through subsidies and access to inputs
Create jobs across farming communities
Reduce reliance on imported rice and promote self-sufficiency

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), increased investment in dry-season farming is critical for food security in developing nations like Nigeria.

Key Interventions for 2025 Dry Season

Mr. Musa highlighted several interventions that will be rolled out:

Provision of high-quality seeds to farmers
Distribution of fertilizers and agro-chemicals to boost crop yield
Construction of 4,600 tube-wells worth N365.7 million to improve irrigation access
Support for smallholder farmers to reduce poverty and increase agricultural productivity

These steps underline Jigawa’s ambition to become a leading hub for rice production in Nigeria.

The Role of Irrigation in Dry Season Rice Farming

One of the biggest challenges for dry season farming is water availability. To address this, the government will invest in tube-well construction across key farming communities. This will:

Ensure a reliable water supply for rice fields
Increase efficiency in farming activities
Reduce risks caused by drought or late rainfall
Encourage more farmers to embrace all-year-round cultivation

Jigawa as a Model for Agricultural Transformation

The Jigawa rice cultivation programme demonstrates how strategic government investments can transform agriculture, strengthen food security, and empower local farmers. With over N10.3bn committed to dry season rice farming, the state is positioning itself as a national leader in rice production.

For stakeholders and farmers, this is an opportunity to harness government support and contribute to Nigeria’s journey toward agricultural sustainability.