The Jigawa State Government has opened 30 centers for the distribution of farm inputs to over 54,000 dry-season rice farmers at a 30% subsidy.
The Technical Adviser to the State Governor on Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Saifullah Umar i, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the distribution exercise.
He explained that the initiative was designed under the Jigawa Rice Production Program which targets over 200,000 Hecters and is expected to expand to 500,000 Hecters by the year 2030.
Dr. Saifullahi noted that the beneficiary farmers were registered on the state’s e-platform, and a text message containing a unique identification code was sent to them for redeeming the inputs at the designated centers.
According to him, the beneficiaries are required to pay 30% of the input cost upfront, while the remaining 40% will be paid after harvesting within a six-month grace period.
“The 30% subsidy applies to farmers registered for 0.5 to 1 hectare, while large-scale farmers will enjoy a 10% subsidy under the same repayment terms” he said.
“The inputs include certified foundation seeds, fertilizer, herbicides, and insecticides. Additionally, 20,000 solar-powered water pumps will be sold to farmers under a cluster program”.
Dr. Saifullahi warned that strict measures have been put in place to ensure only eligible farmers access the inputs. He emphasized that any attempt to divert the materials would be considered sabotage against the state’s agricultural policy and dealt with decisively under the law.
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