By Faridat Salifu
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has launched the distribution of farm inputs, implements, and agro-processing equipment to 40,000 smallholder farmers under his ‘A Koma Gona’ (Back to Farm) initiative.
The event, commemorating his first year in office, took place in Ikara Local Government Area and focused on beneficiaries in the northern senatorial zone.
Governor Sani highlighted Kaduna’s status as Nigeria’s leading producer of ginger, maize, and tomatoes.
However, he expressed concern over significant post-harvest losses, particularly in perishable produce like tomatoes.
To address this, the governor committed to reviving the previously abandoned plan to establish a tomato-processing plant in Ikara, aiming to reduce the losses faced by tomato farmers.
Addressing the farming community, Governor Sani emphasized agriculture’s vital role in the economy, providing employment and sustaining livelihoods.
He noted that smallholder farmers and small-scale agro-processors have been struggling due to current economic challenges.
The governor urged the beneficiaries to effectively utilize the provided equipment and inputs.
Commissioner for Agriculture Murtala Dabo stated that the governor’s initiative would enhance food security in Kaduna and across Nigeria, significantly contributing to the revitalization of the rural economy.