In a bid to boost rice production and enhance food security, the Federal Government of Nigeria has empowered 9,870 rice farmers in Kano State with modern inputs and climate-resilient farming technologies.
The initiative, implemented through the Kano State Special Agro‑Processing Zone (SAPZ) in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), was unveiled during a Farmers’ Field Day at the Chiromawa Garin Babba Cluster in Garun Malam Local Government Area.
Farmers received improved FARO 44 seed varieties, fertilizers such as Urea and NPK, and essential insecticides. In addition, participants were trained on best practices in rice cultivation, including soil selection, seed dressing, nursery setup, proper land preparation, transplanting, fertilizer management, weed control, integrated pest management, water regulation, timely harvesting, safe drying of paddy, and storage techniques including fumigation with phostoxin to prevent post-harvest losses.
According to beneficiary farmers, the adoption of these modern practices has already led to a significant increase in yield from an average of 20–25 bags per acre to approximately 40 bags per acre this season.
The programme aims not only to improve productivity but also to increase household incomes, strengthen rice value chains, reduce post-harvest losses, and create better market opportunities for rural farmers.
Speaking on the initiative, SAPZ officials highlighted that the programme is part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to modernize agriculture in Nigeria, particularly rice production, ensuring more stable incomes for smallholder farmers while enhancing national food security. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
