By Abdullahi Lukman
Kaduna State is anticipating a historic bumper farm produce harvest this year
with improved security in in its most-insecurity-battered locations – Birnin Gwari, Giwa, and Igabi.
These massively agrarian areas have in recent years been troubled by large-scale banditry and kidnapping, which chased away majority of farmers from the fields, drastically reducing agricultural production.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Murtala Dabo, broke the cheery news that improved security this year has enabled farmers to resume planting activities this season.
Speaking during a sector coordination meeting last Friday, Dabo also confirmed upcoming subsidies on fertilizers and essential inputs to further assist farmers in boosting their yields.
He said the state has refined its focus on mechanized farming to modernize agriculture and increase food production across the state.
With the rainy season underway, the commissioner said the government plans to implement machinery deployment and support systems that will help farmers transition to modern farming techniques.
He urged local farmers to adopt mechanized methods to maximize productivity.
The Agriculture Sector Coordinating Meeting, held with the Kaduna State Bureau of Statistics, aimed to review agricultural data and address sector challenges.
Amina Aliyu, the Bureau’s Head of Project and Technical Cooperation, underscored the government’s commitment to improving livestock and animal husbandry alongside crop farming.
Village Head Lawal Umar from Kidanda, Giwa Local Government, praised the government’s security efforts but called for reduced prices on agricultural inputs to alleviate farmers’ financial pressures.