Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has commenced the distribution of farm inputs to 40,000 smallholder farmers under the ‘A Koma Gona’ initiative across the state’s 23 local government areas.

Speaking with the farming community on Monday, Governor Sani outlined the vital role of the agricultural sector in the state’s economy as the backbone of its economy and an important source of livelihood.

Governor Sani said that his administration is committed to improving the agricultural sector and attracting necessary investments for its growth and development. “We are taking steps to address key challenges in the sector to restore the glory of farming and the joy of rural living,” he noted.

He acknowledged the economic challenges faced by smallholder farmers and small-scale agro-processors, emphasizing their crucial role in ensuring food security. “These farmers play an important role in our efforts to achieve food security,” he stated.

The governor explained that to address these challenges, his administration has introduced the “Tallafin Noma – A Koma Noma” program as part of the “Sustainable Livelihoods Through Social Interventions and Economic Empowerment” initiative. The “A Koma Gona” (Get Back to Farm) component aims to support a minimum of 40,000 smallholder farmers and cooperatives across the state.

“The Tallafin Noma programme includes the distribution of inputs for crop and livestock production,” he said.

“For crop production, improved maize seed, agrochemicals, NPK, and urea fertilizers are distributed.

“Meanwhile, for livestock production (poultry), 30-day-old chicks (broilers) with four bags of feed and drugs are distributed, while 50 jumbo juveniles (catfish) with two bags of feed and drugs are distributed for fisheries.”

Governor Sani also noted that power tillers complete with necessary equipment and accessories are being distributed to farmer cooperative groups in order to enhance micro-mechanization in the state’s agricultural sector. According to him, this is essential for increasing farm production and productivity.

“Knapsack sprayers with Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) are also shared with individuals for agrochemical and liquid fertilizer application in their farms. For the agro-processors, vegetable grinders are distributed to individuals, while hammer mills, hauliers, and threshers are distributed to cooperative groups as group assets,” he added.

These processing machines, according to him, will add value to agricultural produce as well as improve the livelihoods of individuals and groups involved in agro-processing activities.

The governor urged the benefiting smallholder farmers and small-scale agro-processors to make effective use of the equipment and inputs, stressing that these efforts are part of the administration’s commitment to revitalizing the agricultural sector.

In his remarks, Chairman of Ikara Local Government Area, Sadiq Ibrahim Salihu, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his commitment to the welfare and prosperity of farmers and agro-entrepreneurs.

“Under your visionary leadership, initiatives like Tallafin Noma (A Koma Gona) are making a tangible difference in the lives of our people,” Salihu stated. 

“Today, as you flag off the distribution of farm inputs, farm implements, and agro-processing equipment for the entire Zone 1, the nation witnesses your dedication to enhancing agricultural productivity, rural economic resilience, and the transformation of rural communities in the state.”