Zamfara State Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening agriculture through expanded dry season farming support, describing the sector as central to the state’s economic stability and food supply.
Speaking at the distribution of farming inputs under the NG-CARES programme, the governor said the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to raise agricultural output, enhance food security and improve rural incomes. He stressed that farming remains the backbone of the state’s economy and requires deliberate government backing to enable producers to succeed.
According to him, the supply of fertilisers, agro-chemicals, irrigation equipment and other tools is intended to stimulate cultivation during the dry season, reduce post-harvest losses and encourage more sustainable farming methods. He added that the intervention would contribute not only to Zamfara’s development but also to national agricultural growth.
Dr Lawal acknowledged the backing of development partners and the Federal Government, noting that their collaboration under the NG-CARES framework has strengthened yields and household earnings in participating communities.
Addressing the link between agricultural recovery and insecurity, the governor said: “It is a known fact that our challenges of today mostly associated with insecurity. As we provide our farmers with these items, we will also continue to improve the security architecture of our communities so that the cycles can be achieved.”
Officials overseeing the programme outlined its operational impact. The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning said the introduction of solar-powered irrigation pumps would allow farmers to cultivate more than once a year. “You can see the solar powered pumps that are here, meaning it's for dry season. That means the farmers of Zamfara state will not have to wait for 12 months to go and harvest and cultivate their farmlands. They can do that after every 6 months. This means increase productivity. This means they're doubling the the revenue generation.”
The items distributed across the state include 3,920 bags of NPK fertiliser, 1,956 bags of urea fertiliser, 3,920 litres of herbicides, 1,956 litres of insecticides and 3,920 sachets of seed-dressing chemicals, alongside other farm inputs and assets.
State authorities maintain that the scale of distribution reflects an effort to shift from subsistence to more commercially viable farming, particularly in rural communities where livelihoods depend heavily on agriculture. By supporting dry season operations, officials expect farmers to stabilise income flows and mitigate the risks associated with rainfall variability.