George George Idowu
The Sokoto State Government has announced plans to construct three new dams to support Fadama and dry season farming, as part of its integrated agriculture project aimed at boosting the state’s agricultural sector.
This was revealed by Bashir Achida, Economic Adviser to the state governor, during an interview with journalists in Abuja over the weekend.
In addition to the dam construction, he said the government has committed to purchasing 244 additional tractors to facilitate the mechanisation and commercialisation of agriculture across the state.
Achida emphasised that these initiatives form a key part of the government’s strategy to improve the livelihoods of Sokoto’s residents and strengthen the state’s economy.
The integrated agricultural plan includes a broad spectrum of activities, from animal and poultry farming to the establishment of rice mills in the state’s three senatorial zones.
Achida noted that the state would capitalize on its natural resources, such as rivers and existing dams, to expand farming operations across hundreds of hectares of land.
He highlighted key crops like onion, garlic, and millet, which are already cultivated in large quantities for commercial purposes.
“We are number one in terms of onion and garlic production in West Africa,” Achida stated, adding that Sokoto exports 50 to 100 trucks of these crops daily to countries like Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
According to him, the state government has launched a program to further accelerate the production of these crops, reinforcing Sokoto’s position as a leader in agricultural output.
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The government has also provided substantial support to farmers, including the purchase of seeds, fertilizers, and farming equipment.
Achida mentioned that the administration is working on two critical projects to not only assist individual farmers but also ensure a comprehensive agricultural plan that addresses the entire value chain, from cultivation to post-harvest processes.
In addition to agriculture, Sokoto State is looking to tap into its abundant solid mineral resources. Achida confirmed that the state government is collaborating with the federal ministry of solid mineral development to secure licenses for key mineral sites.
He said several investors have already expressed interest in the state’s mineral resources, including limestone, iron ore, and gold.
In his words: “We are bringing in investors to harness these untapped resources for the benefit of Sokoto. About five investors have shown interest so far.”
Sokoto is also focusing on promoting economic trees like shea butter and collaborating with the federal ministry of environment to encourage tree planting as part of efforts to drive economic prosperity and combat climate change.
The government is working closely with the chamber of commerce on these initiatives.
To safeguard farmers and citizens against natural disasters, Achida highlighted the state’s collaboration with the National Agriculture Insurance Cooperation and efforts to introduce mitigation measures, such as buffer dams, to reduce the impact of flooding.
He also pointed out that the government has been providing palliatives to those affected by natural disasters, especially in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
Through these comprehensive efforts, Sokoto State is working towards securing a competitive edge in agriculture and unlocking its full economic potential.
