Jigawa distributes nutrient-rich seeds to 30,000 farmers
By Abdullahi Lukman
The Jigawa State Government has commenced the distribution of bio-fortified millet and maize seeds to 30,000 smallholder farmers.
This initiative marks a significant stride in the state’s efforts to enhance nutrition and foster climate-resilient agriculture.
Governor Malam Umar Namadi officially launched the program in Dutse, describing it as a dual intervention addressing both agricultural productivity and public health.
The governor emphasized that this endeavor is a core component of his administration’s 12-point agenda, which prioritizes sustainable development and ensuring food security across the state.
“This program is not just about farming,” Governor Namadi stated.
“It’s about protecting the health of our people and the environment.
These seeds will help our farmers grow crops that are not only more resilient to climate change but also richer in vital nutrients.”
The distributed millet and maize varieties are specially enhanced with essential nutrients such as iron, vitamin A, and zinc.
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These micronutrients are crucial in the global fight against malnutrition, particularly among children.
Furthermore, the seeds are engineered to perform optimally even in challenging weather conditions, providing a practical solution to growing concerns about food production resilience in the face of climate change.
The program is being implemented with robust support from international partners, including HarvestPlus and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), working in close collaboration with relevant government agencies within Jigawa State.
Governor Namadi also highlighted that this seed distribution is merely one element of a more extensive agricultural transformation agenda.
He noted that his administration has already recruited 1,435 extension workers, provided input financing to over 40,000 rice and wheat farmers, and initiated comprehensive reforms in farm mechanization through the establishment of the Agricultural Transformation Agency and the Jigawa Farm Mechanization Service Company.
The state is also in the process of setting up 60 Farm Service Centers and plans to establish a dedicated Ministry of Livestock to further boost agricultural productivity.
Yusuf Dollar Fu’ad, Country Manager for HarvestPlus Nigeria, commended Jigawa State’s proactive approach.
He underscored the importance of investing in bio-fortified seeds, especially given how climate change is diminishing the nutritional value of traditional crops.
As part of the rollout, comprehensive training will be provided to both extension workers and farmers.
This training aims to ensure the effective utilization of the improved seed varieties, thereby maximizing long-term benefits for communities throughout Jigawa.
