Kaduna State is making bold moves to expand its agribusiness sector, aiming to become a major hub for Nigeria’s food production and agro-industrial growth.

A key highlight is the $450 million Nigeria–China Poultry Project, which will cover 10,000 hectares and is expected to generate 50,000 direct jobs. Construction is scheduled to begin this December, marking a shift from traditional farming to industrial-scale production.

Diversification is also underway. In partnership with Arla Foods, the state is launching a €10 million dairy farm in Damau, Kubau LGA, projected to produce 4–5 million kilograms of milk annually, modernizing livestock and dairy production.

Smallholder farmers are not being left behind. Kaduna has partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to improve the tomato value chain, focusing on production, storage, and processing infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses and increase farmers’ incomes.

To further boost productivity, the state has rolled out a $120 million irrigation and greenhouse initiative, distributed 400 truckloads of free fertilizer to 100,000 farmers, and cleared 20,000 hectares of idle farmland to enable year-round cultivation.

Institutional and financial support is growing. Kaduna State University secured a ₦1 billion grant for commercial agriculture, while the Bank of Agriculture announced a ₦1.5 trillion capitalization plan plus a ₦250 billion window for smallholder financing.

These initiatives could transform Kaduna into a model of modern, diversified agribusiness, creating jobs, enhancing food security, and stimulating rural economies. Yet, challenges remain, including market access, infrastructure, and effective governance.

Can Kaduna fully harness these opportunities to become Nigeria’s agribusiness hub? Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.