Distinguished members of the press, esteemed stakeholders, and the good people of Kaduna State,
It is with great pride and profound gratitude to Almighty God that I stand before you today to unveil the monumental strides so far made in the agricultural sector under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani. The transformation we have witnessed in this sector is nothing short of historic, and it is all thanks to the relentless drive of His Excellency, whose commitment to the empowerment of our farmers and the food security of our state has inspired these unprecedented achievements.
Under Governor Uba Sani’s leadership, agriculture has been placed at the centre of the state’s development agenda. The 2024 budget allocated N22.54 billion to the agricultural sector, representing nearly 5% of the total state budget. This demonstrates His Excellency’s profound commitment to turning Kaduna into a thriving agricultural powerhouse and securing our future through sustainable farming practices.
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In the last year alone, Kaduna State has become a beacon of hope for smallholder farmers, an engine of economic growth, and a model of agricultural excellence. In line with Governor Uba Sani’s Governance Agenda, we have redefined what is possible in agriculture, proving that with the right leadership, a state cannot only feed itself but also lead a revolution in sustainable farming and rural development. Permit me to highlight some of our remarkable achievements.
1. Tallafin Noma: A Groundbreaking Intervention for Farmers
Under the remarkable palliative program, Sustainable Livelihoods Through Social Interventions and Economic Empowerment, the Get Back to Farm initiative has breathed new life into our agricultural sector. With the direct backing of Governor Uba Sani, we distributed vital inputs—high-quality seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals, and farming equipment—to 41,693 smallholder farmers and cooperatives across all 23 LGAs. This initiative is a game-changer for our farmers, restoring their livelihoods and driving increased productivity across the state.
2. Swift Response to the Ginger Blight Epidemic: Leadership in Action
Faced with a devastating ginger blight that threatened the backbone of our cash crop economy, His Excellency’s decisive action saved the day. Through the rapid deployment of scientists and the distribution of 12,800 units of agrochemicals, we provided critical support to 3,294 smallholder ginger farmers. The Governor’s leadership didn’t stop there—he championed a N1.6 billion Recovery Package from the National Agricultural Development Fund, ensuring our farmers were equipped to recover and diversify their crops. This is leadership that delivers results.
3. The Largest Free Fertilizer Distribution in Kaduna’s History
Governor Uba Sani made history by approving the distribution of 500 trucks of fertilizer from which 240,000 bags has been distributed free to 120,000 smallholder farmers. This intervention, the first of its kind in recent memory, is a cornerstone of the His Excellency’s Governance Agenda and will supercharge farm yields across Kaduna State. By removing the financial barriers to agricultural inputs, His Excellency has guaranteed that our farmers can cultivate with confidence and that our state will reap the rewards of higher productivity and income.
4. Mechanization: Reducing Drudgery and Improving Productivity
His Excellency, Sen. Uba Sani is the first Governor in Kaduna State in recent memory to have invested heavily in both mechanization and micro-mechanization of the agricultural sector. To put this in proper perspective, the last time the State invested in mechanization through the procurement of Tractors was in 2010. The administration of Governor Uba Sani has procured heavy-duty tractors that can handle large-scale commercial farming and complex and difficult farming operations. Also procured by the State are combine harvesters to help our farmers achieve faster harvests and cleaner grains. The government has also procured Power Tillers together with Cage Wheels, Ridgers and Trailers. This will help smallholder farmers increase productivity and reduce drudgery. The State will also set up private sector-driven mechanization stations/service centres across the agricultural hubs for sustainability.
5. Fall Armyworm (FAW) Outbreak: A Governor Who Acts Swiftly
When maize farms were threatened by an outbreak of Fall Armyworm, His Excellency acted with the urgency the situation demanded. Within two weeks of the Governor’s directive, we launched a statewide emergency response that included media campaigns, training of pest control officers, and the distribution of 18,000 units of agrochemicals to protect over 4,700 hectares of maize farmland. His leadership turned what could have been a disaster into a well-managed crisis.
6. Revolutionizing Irrigation and All-Year-Round Farming
Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to making Kaduna State the agricultural powerhouse of Nigeria was evident in his push for year-round farming. Through the procurement of solar-powered irrigation pumps, smallholder farmers are now equipped to produce food even in the dry season. This bold move aligns with His Excellency’s vision of making Kaduna self-reliant in food production and a leader in agricultural innovation.
7. Kaduna State Agricultural Sector Nutrition Strategy: A New Dawn
In another display of visionary leadership, Governor Uba Sani approved the Kaduna Agricultural Sector Nutrition Strategy (2024-2027), a policy document aimed at tackling malnutrition through strategic agricultural interventions. This policy solidifies Kaduna State’s position as a forward-thinking state, integrating nutrition and agricultural productivity to improve the lives of our people.
8. Combating Rabies: A Life-Saving Campaign
Under His Excellency’s directive, the Ministry launched an extensive rabies vaccination campaign, protecting 15,000 dogs and safeguarding veterinary officers. This proactive initiative, supported by media engagements and public education, is yet another example of how Governor Uba Sani prioritizes the health and well-being of our people and animals alike.
9. Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Mitigation
In collaboration with private partners, His Excellency’s government spearheaded a comprehensive campaign to decontaminate live bird markets and vaccinate poultry farms against Newcastle Disease, neutralizing the threat of Avian Influenza. Through these efforts, Kaduna State remains a state that protects its food supply chain and its farmers.
10. A Massive Livestock Vaccination Drive
Governor Uba Sani’s agricultural revolution extends to livestock as well. Under his leadership, 1,000,000 cattle were vaccinated against Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), and 350,000 sheep and goats were protected from the deadly Peste des Petits Ruminants virus. His foresight in strengthening animal health is ensuring that Kaduna State remains a hub of livestock productivity.
11. Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP): Transforming Rural Economies
Governor Uba Sani’s leadership in rural development is transforming Kaduna State’s agricultural landscape. The improvement of 16 rural access roads, currently underway, will connect farmers to markets, schools, and healthcare centers, reducing post-harvest losses and improving livelihoods. Notable among these road projects are the Anchau – Gadas – Palla Road in Ikara/Kubau LGA, the Rigachikun – Tami – Birnin Yero Road in Igabi LGA, Giwa – Yakawada Road in Giwa LGA, Tachira – Kadarko Road in Kaura LGA, and Gadan Gaya – Gwaraje – Kujama Road in both Igabi and Chikun LGAs.
12. Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES): Innovation in Action
The innovative Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project has equipped Ladduga Grazing Reserve with modern hay-making equipment and sponsored the vaccination of 450,000 cattle, sheep, and goats against Anthrax. His Excellency’s commitment to the resilience of our livestock sector ensures sustainable productivity for generations to come.
13. Strategic Partnership with Africa Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC)
Thanks to the foresight of Governor Uba Sani, Kaduna State has attracted the Africa Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC), a major facility supported by AFREXIMbank that will provide vital testing, certification, and inspection services for agricultural products. This project will not only enhance Kaduna State’s agricultural exports but also position our state as a central hub for agricultural services across Africa.
Ladies and gentlemen, these remarkable achievements would not have been possible without the unwavering support, guidance, and leadership of Governor Uba Sani. His passion for agriculture, his dedication to empowering our farmers, and his commitment to ensuring food security have driven the transformation of this sector. Under his watch, Kaduna State is not just feeding itself; we are becoming a beacon of agricultural excellence for Nigeria and beyond.
As the Commissioner of Agriculture, I am deeply honoured to oversee the implementation of these important efforts that are making a real difference in the lives of our farmers and the broader economy of Kaduna State. It is both a privilege and responsibility to serve the people of Kaduna State under the able leadership of His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani and to contribute to the growth of our agricultural sector.
As we move forward, I call upon all stakeholders—farmers, agribusinesses, financial institutions, and citizens—to join hands with this administration. I assure you that this is just the beginning, the Uba Sani administration is poised to continually and sustainably empower the agricultural sector for improved productivity and assured food security. Together, we will continue to cultivate success, nurture growth, and harvest prosperity for all in Kaduna State.
Hon. Murtala Dabo
Commissioner for Agriculture
Kaduna State
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