The Jigawa government has approved N7 billion for the payment of agro-input dealers/service providers during the 2025 dry season rice cultivation programme.

The fund will fast-track implementation of the 2025 Dry Season Rice Input Voucher System.

Sagir Musa, commissioner for information, youth, sports and culture, said this at the end of the state executive council (SEC) meeting on Tuesday in Dutse.

He said the gesture would deepen the government’s commitment to agricultural transformation with major investment in dry-season rice farming.

“In a bold move to strengthen food security, empower rural farmers, and ensure a bumper harvest, the council has approved the sum, in addition to the sum of N3,268,336,287.00, redeemed by the agro-farmers.

“The agro-farmers were those who benefited from the dry season rice programme in the last season, making a total sum of N10,330,522,777.00,” he said.

According to Mr Musa, the state government is intensifying the dry-season rice farming initiative through the timely provision and full payment of critical agricultural inputs to thousands of farmers in the state.

He said the interventions would include provisions of high-quality seeds, fertilisers and chemicals, stressing that it underscored the administration’s resolve to make Jigawa a leading hub for rice production in Nigeria.

Mr Musa said the council also approved N365.7 million for the construction of 4,600 tube wells in key farming communities across the state.

“The intervention is designed to enhance water access for dry season rice farming, empower smallholder farmers and increase agricultural productivity, paving the way for a bumper harvest,” he said.

(NAN)