By Grace Samuel
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has announced a significant achievement in the state’s dry season rice production: this year, the yield was 800,000 tonnes.
After an inspection tour of rice farms in Auyo, Hadejia, Miga, and Ringim Local Government Areas recently, Governor Namadi expressed his satisfaction with the progress.
He noted that the current cultivation covers 200,000 hectares of rice farms, a scale he believes will significantly contribute to alleviating Nigeria’s food insecurity.
Governor Namadi highlighted that the estimated 200,000 hectares of rice cultivation translates to nearly 800,000 tonnes of rice.
He projected that the total production could reach approximately 1.6 million tonnes when combined with the rainy season yield.
This output represents about 27% of Nigeria’s rice requirement, which the governor considers a positive development for the state’s agricultural objectives.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting and encouraging farmers to enhance food security in Nigeria.
The governor underscored the importance of government support for rice farmers, particularly in addressing their challenges. He mentioned the primary support currently provided, a fertiliser subsidy, and emphasised his unwavering commitment to providing additional assistance to bolster the rice farming communities further.
This commitment is a testament to the governor’s value and importance on the farmers and their role in the state’s agricultural sector.
However, Governor Namadi should have elaborated on his administration’s plans to address the annual flooding that poses a significant threat to rice cultivation during the dry season.
The floods, often caused by overflow from dams in Kano State and rivers in Jigawa, have prevented the cultivation of many farmlands during the rainy season.
It was reported that most farms visited are owned by small-scale farmers who have made considerable individual efforts to optimise their cultivation practices.
In addition to the areas inspected by the governor, other affected communities include Malammadori, Kafin Hausa, Kaugama, Taura, Ringim, and Jahun.
Governor Namadi’s announcement marks a milestone in Jigawa’s agricultural sector, with the potential to make a substantial impact on national food security.
However, the governor’s call for comprehensive support and flood management is not just a suggestion, but a crucial and urgent need to sustain and enhance these gains.
This reiteration underscores the importance and urgency of these issues, making the audience feel the gravity of the situation.
