Sani Dutsinma
Governor Nasir Idris has flagged off the large-scale distribution of farming inputs and Ramadan palliatives under the Kaura Agricultural Development Agenda 2026.
The event was held at the Haliru Abdu Stadium in Birnin Kebbi, where thousands of farmers and stakeholders gathered to witness the rollout.
The governor described the initiative as a major milestone in Kebbi State’s agricultural transformation drive, noting that the agenda remains focused on empowering farmers, improving productivity, and enhancing food security.
He stated that the administration’s sustained investment in free farm inputs, modern machinery, and extension services demonstrates its commitment to boosting agricultural output and strengthening both the state and national economies.
According to him, Kebbi recorded steady growth in rice production, with annual output increasing from 3.05 million tons in 2023 to 3.15 million tons in 2024. Projections for 2025 remain strong, reaffirming Kebbi’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading rice-producing states.
Governor Idris also announced the commencement of the 2026 dry season farming programme, explaining that the state operates two production cycles within a single dry season to maximize output.
He revealed that the government is distributing 2,000 solar-powered pumps, 5,000 power tillers, 5,500 sprayers, 24,000 litres of herbicides, 70,000 litres of liquid organic fertilizer, and 5,000 tons of assorted fertilizers to farmers across the state to boost productivity, create jobs, and increase incomes.
In addition, 6,500 tons of assorted grains—including rice, maize, and millet—will be distributed as Ramadan palliatives to vulnerable residents.
The governor emphasized that beneficiaries were carefully selected in collaboration with traditional rulers and farmers’ groups, warning that no substitutions would be tolerated. He directed the distribution committee to ensure fairness and transparency, stressing that the era of diverting public items was over.
He further warned that security agencies had been instructed to arrest anyone found selling the distributed inputs, reiterating that his administration remains committed to reducing hardship and improving the welfare of Kebbi citizens.