Kebbi State Government Launches Agricultural Development Programme

Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris has joyfully declared the inauguration of the Kaura Agricultural Development and Growth Agenda (KADAGE) project in Suru Local Government Area, Kebbi State.

While making the announcement through his Twitter (X) handle this morning, Dr. Idris stated that the initiative is one that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s 8-point Agenda, focusing on food security and agricultural improvement.

Expressing gratitude for the cooperation between Federal and state Governments, Dr. Idris acknowledged the support from the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.

“Today, we distributed 6,000 solar-powered water pumps to farmers, with plans to distribute a total of 12,000 pumps to increase yields,” he said.

Highlighting additional efforts, Dr. Idris revealed, “The state government is set to procure 20,000 units of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered water pumps.”

He then cautioned against unauthorized selling, stating, “Stringent actions will be taken against any violation.”

The governor pledged to build on the accomplishments of Senator Atiku Bagudu and further establish Kebbi as a leading rice producer.

“I assure you of our dedication to improving agricultural production and achieving food security in our state,” he said.

On his own part, Senator Abubakar said he was happy to commission the project because “it reaffirms the agreement we had with the governor. I came to Kebbi State this morning to commission 6000 solar water pumps, tractors, seeds and farm equipment intended for distribution among the farmers of Kebbi State. A subsidy of almost 70% on all equipment is to be enjoyed by beneficiaries. The initiative also involves the conversion of irrigation pumps from PMS to CNG. As of today, 50,000 farmers have already benefited, with an anticipated total of 150,000 farmers benefiting from the initiative,” he noted.

According to the Agric Minister, there was also a plan to establish an irrigation scheme to supply water to low water table areas through obtaining water from boreholes, adding that this will ensure All Year Crop Production.

“Center Pivot Irrigation Systems have been adopted to supply water for small-scale farmers, and a subsidy of almost 70% on all equipment is to be enjoyed by beneficiaries,” he added.

Agro Nigeria / Foluke Ibitomi