News in brief:
– Adamawa State has launched a ₦2 billion agricultural support programme to empower smallholder farmers and improve food security, starting with six local government areas.
– The initiative includes subsidised inputs, training, and development partnerships, and builds on earlier efforts that have helped curb food inflation in the state.
The Adamawa State Government has launched its 2025 Agricultural Support Programme, designed to empower smallholder farmers and enhance food security throughout the state. Governor Ahmadu Fintiri approved ₦2 billion for the initiative, which is already being implemented in six local government areas.
Speaking to journalists in Yola, the State capital, Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. David Jatau, said the programme targets 300 farmers in each of the six pilot LGAs—Madagali, Michika, Hong, Maiha, Demsa, and Ganye. Each council will cultivate 300 hectares of farmland with support from the state and development partners.
Farmers are receiving subsidised inputs such as fertilisers, improved seeds, and herbicides. The selection of beneficiaries is being overseen by a committee that includes traditional leaders, local government officials, women’s and youth groups, and security agencies to ensure transparency.
“To improve outcomes, we are also training extension workers to guide farmers on modern farming techniques,” Jatau noted.
He added that partnerships with NGOs and agricultural organisations have secured over 2,700 hectares for cultivation. The state aims to extend the programme to additional LGAs by the next rainy season.
This latest intervention builds on Adamawa’s earlier effort in February 2024, when the state allocated ₦500 million for dry season farming inputs. That programme focused on accessibility for grassroots farmers and introduced cluster-based input distribution with monitoring mechanisms to track effectiveness and curb misuse.
Prof. Jatau expressed optimism that the initiatives would improve food production, create jobs, and raise rural incomes. He commended the federal government and development partners for their support and urged farmers to make the most of the programme.
Notably, Adamawa recently ranked among the top three states with the slowest food inflation growth for two consecutive months, indicating the success of its food security policies.
