Uba Sani unveils dry season empowerment programme with fertilizers, water pumps

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has launched the Dry Season Agricultural Empowerment Programme to promote agriculture in the state.

The agricultural empowerment programme was launched at Murtala Square in Kaduna on Sunday, February 16, 2025.

Speaking at the event, Sani, who said agriculture is at the centre of Kaduna State’s Development Agenda, stated: “Under the Dry Season Agricultural Empowerment Programme, we are distributing 100,000 bags of fertilizers – both NPK and Urea – to enhance soil fertility and boost yields.

“We have also procured 500 power tillers to assist smallholder farmers in land preparation, 2,000 knapsack sprayers for effective pest and disease control, and 10,000 water pumps, most of which are solar-powered to support irrigation and ensure uninterrupted farming during the dry season.

“Alongside these, we are providing high-quality seeds and agrochemicals to improve productivity across the state.

“Under this phase of the intervention, we are distributing 100 residue crushers and 50 fodder choppers to various beneficiaries, including livestock markets, cooperative groups in the livestock sector, and 19 sedentary pastoralist communities across the state.

“These essential tools will assist in processing agricultural residues into livestock feed and improving fodder availability, ultimately increasing productivity and ensuring better nutrition for animals.

“By equipping these groups, we are reducing dependency on expensive commercial feed and promoting self-sufficiency among livestock farmers.”

Kaduna set for year-round farming as Uba Sani distributes equipment

The governor stated that his administration has been addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing agricultural communities – the herder-farmer conflict.

He added: “We understand that dwindling resources such as grazing land and water have contributed to the conflicts between herders and farmers.

“We are therefore investing in water infrastructure, rehabilitating grazing reserves, and strengthening community dialogue mechanisms to foster peaceful coexistence.

“As a state, we have made tremendous progress in rebuilding trust, forging understanding, peacebuilding and conflict transformation.

“We have restored peace and security to conflict – challenged areas like Birnin Gwari and Giwa Local Governments. Farmers can now conveniently access their farms.

“Commercial activities are back in full swing. It is however a work in progress. We shall not rest until peace and security are restored to every community in our dear state.”

The event had in attendance the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi; and stakeholders in the agricultural sector; among others.

The Star