Kaduna State beacon of hope for smallholder farmers -Commissioner

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Commissioner for Agriculture Murtala Dabo has declared that the state, under the leadership of Senator Uba Sani, has become a beacon of hope for smallholder farmers, engine of economic growth, and a model of agricultural excellence.
He asserted this during a briefing on the achievement of Gov Sani’s administration in the agricultural sector.
According to him, in line with Governor Sani’s governance agenda, his Ministry has redefined what is possible in agriculture, proving that with the right leadership, a state cannot only feed itself, but also lead a revolution in sustainable farming and rural development.
The Commissioner disclosed that the 2024 budget allocated N22.54 billion to the agricultural sector, representing nearly 5% of the total state budget, this demonstrates the governor’s profound commitment to turning Kaduna into a thriving agricultural powerhouse and securing our future through sustainable farming practices.
Dabo highlights the programme put in place for the benefit of farmers in the State including Tallafin Noma, which is a palliative program for Sustainable Livelihoods Through Social Interventions and Economic Empowerment; the Get Back to Farm initiative has breathed new life into our agricultural sector.
“With the direct backing of Governor Uba Sani, we distributed vital inputs—high-quality seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals, and farming equipment—to 41,693 smallholder farmers and cooperatives across all 23 LGAs.
“ This initiative is a game-changer for our farmers, restoring their livelihoods and driving increased productivity across the state.
“Swift Response to the Ginger Blight Epidemic: Leadership in Action
“Faced with a devastating ginger blight that threatened the backbone of our cash crop economy, His Excellency’s decisive action saved the day.
“Through the rapid deployment of scientists and the distribution of 12,800 units of agrochemicals, we provided critical support to 3,294 smallholder ginger farmers.
“The Governor’s leadership didn’t stop there—he championed a N1.6 billion Recovery Package from the National Agricultural Development Fund, ensuring our farmers were equipped to recover and diversify their crops.
“This is leadership that delivers results.The Largest free fertilizer distribution in Kaduna’s history.”
He said Governor Sani made history by approving the distribution of 500 trucks of fertilizer, from which 240,000 bags have been distributed free to 120,000 smallholder farmers.
“ This intervention, the first of its kind in recent memory, is a cornerstone of His Excellency’s Governance Agenda and will supercharge farm yields across Kaduna State.
“By removing the financial barriers to agricultural inputs, his Excellency has guaranteed that our farmers can cultivate with confidence and that our state will reap the rewards of higher productivity and income.
“Mechanization: Reducing Drudgery and Improving Productivity, his excellency, Sen. Uba Sani is the first Governor in Kaduna State in recent memory to have invested heavily in both mechanization and mirco modernization of the agricultural sector.
“ To put this in proper perspective, the last time the State invested in mechanization through the procurement of Tractors was in 2010.
“The administration of Governor Uba Sani has procured heavy-duty tractors that can handle large-scale commercial farming and complex and difficult farming operations.
“Also procured by the State are combine harvesters to help our farmers achieve faster harvests and cleaner grains.
“The government has also procured Power Tillers together with Cage Wheels, Ridgers, and Trailers.
“This will help smallholder farmers increase productivity and reduce drudgery. The State will also set up private sector-driven mechanization stations/service centers across the agricultural hubs for sustainability”, he stated.
“Fall Armyworm (FAW) Outbreak: A Governor Who Acts Swiftly
When maize farms were threatened by an outbreak of Fall Armyworm, His Excellency acted with the urgency the situation demanded.
“ Within two weeks of the Governor’s directive, we launched a statewide emergency response that included media campaigns, training of pest control officers, and the distribution of 18,000 units of agrochemicals to protect over 4,700 hectares of maize farmland.
“His leadership turned what could have been a disaster into a well-managed crisis.
“Revolutionizing Irrigation and All-Year-Round Farming
Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to making Kaduna State the agricultural powerhouse of Nigeria was evident in his push for year-round farming.
“Through the procurement of solar-powered irrigation pumps, smallholder farmers are now equipped to produce food even in the dry season.
“This bold move aligns with His Excellency’s vision of making Kaduna self-reliant in food production and a leader in agricultural innovation.
“Kaduna State Agricultural Sector Nutrition Strategy: A New Dawn
In another display of visionary leadership, Governor Uba Sani approved the Kaduna Agricultural Sector Nutrition Strategy (2024-2027), a policy document aimed at tackling malnutrition through strategic agricultural interventions.
“This policy solidifies Kaduna State’s position as a forward-thinking state, integrating nutrition and agricultural productivity to improve the lives of our people.
“ Combating Rabies: A Life-Saving Campaign Under His Excellency’s directive, the Ministry launched an extensive rabies vaccination campaign, protecting 15,000 dogs and safeguarding veterinary officers.
“ Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Mitigation, in collaboration with private partners, His Excellency’s government spearheaded a comprehensive campaign to decontaminate live bird markets and vaccinate poultry farms against Newcastle Disease, neutralizing the threat of Avian Influenza.
“ A Massive Livestock Vaccination Drive, governor Uba Sani’s agricultural revolution extends to livestock as well. Under his leadership, 1,000,000 cattle were vaccinated against Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), and 350,000 sheep and goats were protected from the deadly Peste des Petits Ruminants virus.
“Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP): Transforming Rural Economies Governor Uba Sani’s leadership in rural development is transforming Kaduna State’s agricultural landscape.
“The improvement of 16 rural access roads, currently underway, will connect farmers to markets, schools, and healthcare centers, reducing post-harvest losses and improving livelihoods.
“ Notable among these road projects are the Anchau – Gadas – Palla Road in Ikara/Kubau LGA, the Rigachikun – Tami – Birnin Yero Road in Igabi LGA, Giwa – Yakawada Road in Giwa LGA, Tachira – Kadarko Road in Kaura LGA, and Gadan Gaya – Gwaraje – Kujama Road in both Igabi and Chikun LGAs.
“ Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES): Innovation in Action and Strategic Partnership with Africa Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC)”, he said.