In his address, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, described the occasion as a significant milestone in the state’s agricultural transformation drive. He said the Kaura Agricultural Development Agenda has remains focused on empowering farmers, improving productivity, and enhancing food security.
According to him, the administration’s sustained investment in free farm inputs, machinery, and extension services demonstrates its unwavering commitment to boosting agricultural output and strengthening both the state and national economies.
Governor Idris disclosed that Kebbi State recorded steady growth in rice production, with annual output increasing from 3.05 million tons in 2023 to 3.15 million tons in 2024, while projections for 2025 remain strong. He reaffirmed that Kebbi continues to rank among Nigeria’s leading rice producing states, adding that other major crops have also witnessed steady increases under his administration.
The Governor also announced the flag-off of the 2026 dry season farming programme, explaining that Kebbi operates two production cycles within a single dry season to maximize output.
He revealed that the state is distributing 2,000 solar-powered pumps, 5,000 power tillers, 5,500 sprayers, 24,000 liters of herbicides, 70,000 liters of liquid organic fertilizer, and 5,000 tons of assorted fertilizers to farmers across the state to further boost productivity, create employment, and increase incomes.
He emphasized that beneficiaries were carefully selected in collaboration with traditional rulers and farmer’s groups, warning that no substitutions would be tolerated. In addition to farm inputs, he announced the distribution of 6,500 tons of assorted grains—rice, maize, and millet—as Ramadan palliatives to cushion the impact of economic hardship on the poor and vulnerable during the holy month.
Governor Idris directed the distribution committee to ensure fairness and transparency, stressing that the era of cornering public items was over. He categorically stated that no political office holder, including local government chairmen, commissioners, or lawmakers, should divert any of the items meant for the grassroots.
He further warned that security agencies had been directed to arrest anyone found selling the distributed inputs, reaffirming that the administration is people-oriented and committed to reducing the suffering of Kebbi citizens.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, expressed delight at returning to Kebbi State, describing it as a land where agriculture shapes the economy and sustains livelihoods.
He noted that over 80 percent of the population is engaged in farming and related activities, making agriculture central to the state’s identity and economic strength.
The Minister emphasized that food security is fundamental to national sovereignty and economic resilience, stating that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has elevated agriculture to a strategic national priority. He commended Governor Idris for aligning with the Federal Government’s mandate to strengthen domestic production and ensure measurable results in food security.
Senator Kyari praised Kebbi’s long-standing leadership in rice production, noting that the state has evolved beyond primary cultivation into structured value addition and agro-industrial growth. He highlighted the role of major rice mills in the state in processing paddy into high-quality finished products for national markets.
He further referenced the commissioning of fortification and quality control equipment at Takalau Rice Mill, positioning it among the few facilities in Nigeria capable of producing fortified rice. According to him, the facility bridges smallholder farmers with commercial-scale processing while meeting premium standards.
The Minister assured that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security would continue to stand firmly with Kebbi State in advancing agricultural transformation. He urged farmers to embrace innovation and technology, while encouraging greater inclusion of youth and women in agricultural enterprise to sustain productivity and growth.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Shehu Mu’azu, stated that the event marked the third edition of the large-scale distribution initiative under the current administration. He described the programme as a fulfillment of Governor Idris’ promises to directly support farmers and improve livelihoods through practical interventions.
He highlighted the remarkable increase in farming infrastructure support, particularly the expansion of solar-powered pump distribution from an initial 1,000 units to nearly 15,000 units over time. He stressed that these resources, alongside other machinery and inputs, are provided free of charge to enhance production capacity.
The Commissioner expressed appreciation to federal officials, ministry staff, and local workers for their dedication in organizing the event, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to economic empowerment through sustained investment in agriculture.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Hayatu Muhammad Birnin Kebbi thanked the Governor for the generous gesture, noting that over one million farmers stand to benefit from the free farm inputs. He assured that the farmers would utilize the items responsibly to increase productivity and support food security.
Also speaking, Malam Auwal, Vice President of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), commended Governor Idris for his unwavering support to farmers and consistent interventions aimed at strengthening rice production in the state.
Highlights of the event included goodwill messages from stakeholders and the official flag-off of the distribution of farm inputs and Ramadan palliatives by Governor Nasir Idris and the Honourable Minister of Agriculture.
The event was attended by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Hon Yusuf Tanko Sununu; former Governor of Kebbi State, Ambassador Saidu Usman Nasamu Dakingari; members of the State House of Assembly, Commissioners, Special Advisers, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders in the Agricultural sector.
