By Hosea Parah, Abuja
In a recent press briefing, Hon. Murtala Dabo, Commissioner for Agriculture in Kaduna State, has highlighted significant advancements made in the agricultural sector under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani. The administration’s initiatives aim to empower farmers, ensure food security, and establish Kaduna as an agricultural powerhouse.
Dabo announced a substantial allocation of N22.54 billion for agriculture in the 2024 budget, reflecting the government’s commitment to sustainable farming practices. He emphasized that the sector has seen unprecedented growth and innovation, positively impacting the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
Key achievements included the distribution of vital inputs to over 41,000 farmers through the “Get Back to Farm” initiative, and a swift response to a ginger blight epidemic that threatened local farmers. The administration also launched the largest fertilizer distribution in the state’s history, providing 240,000 bags of fertilizer to 120,000 farmers at no cost.
In a push for modernization, the government invested in mechanization, procuring heavy-duty tractors and combine harvesters to improve productivity. Additionally, solar-powered irrigation pumps were introduced to enable year-round farming, while a comprehensive strategy to combat malnutrition was unveiled to link agriculture with nutritional outcomes.
Dabo underscored Governor Sani’s proactive measures against agricultural threats, citing emergency responses to Fall Armyworm outbreaks and the successful vaccination campaigns against livestock diseases. Projects aimed at improving rural infrastructure and market access were also highlighted as essential for enhancing the agricultural economy.
The commissioner concluded by urging all stakeholders to collaborate with the administration, emphasizing that these initiatives are just the beginning of a transformative journey for Kaduna’s agricultural sector.
Governor Uba Sani’s leadership is set to position Kaduna State as a model of agricultural excellence in Nigeria, paving the way for sustainable growth and prosperity.