News in brief:
â Kebbi State government has acquired 6,000 solar pumps and power tillers for the Special Dry Season Programme, aligning with the federal governmentâs initiative to enhance dry season farming.
â Governor Nasir Idris highlighted the stateâs commitment to complement the federal program, showcasing the stateâs dedication to agricultural development and contributing to national food security.
The Kebbi State government has acquired 6,000 solar pumps and power tillers for dry season farming in line with the federal governmentâs Special Dry Season Programme under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Governor Nasir Idris announced the procurement during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, in Abuja. He spoke about Kebbiâs commitment to complement the federal program by providing these resources to participating farmers across the state.
The move underscores the stateâs dedication to agricultural development and its potential to contribute significantly to national food security. Known for its fertile land and agricultural prowess, it is already a major producer of rice, wheat, millet, and sorghum.
Kyari commended Kebbiâs proactive approach and acknowledged the increasing focus on dry season farming nationwide. He highlighted the programâs flag-off in November 2023 across 15 wheat-producing states, aiming to reduce reliance on rain-fed agriculture and pave the way for year-round cultivation.
The minister explained the potential benefits of this shift, including increased crop yields, job creation, poverty reduction, and lower food inflation. Additionally, he aligned this initiative with President Bola Tinubuâs Renewed Hope Agenda that prioritises food security and inclusivity.
Kyari acknowledged Kebbiâs efforts in preparing land, facilitating tubular irrigation, and providing additional fertilisers and inputs to farmers participating in the National Agricultural Growth Scheme Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP) Project.
Furthermore, the governor extended an invitation to Minister Kyari to be the Special Guest at the launch of the Kaura Agricultural Development and Growth Agenda and the distribution of the solar pumps and tillers to Kebbi farmers. The event will showcase the stateâs commitment to implementing the initiative efficiently to other states while maximising its impact on local food production.
