The Jigawa State Government has allocated N3.3 billion for loans to its civil servants under its Agricultural Support Programme.Â
Governor Umar Namadi announced the disbursement of these loans during a ceremony on Monday in Dutse, the state capital.
The event took place at the premises of the state’s Agricultural Distribution Company (JASCO). Governor Namadi explained that the initiative aims to address food security, provide economic empowerment, and improve the lives of civil servants in the state.
“This program supports participating civil servants in feeding their families and provides them with additional means of livelihood,” Governor Namadi said. “It is part of our overall agricultural transformation initiative aimed at achieving food security and economic diversification for Jigawa State and the nation.”
The governor elaborated on the strategy, which involves increasing the number of people participating in agricultural production and bringing more land under cultivation.
He emphasized the administration’s commitment to the welfare of its workforce and the overall development of the state.
Governor Namadi highlighted the current economic challenges, particularly the rising food prices that have eroded the purchasing power of workers’ salaries. He noted that the initiative would help alleviate these economic difficulties.
“The soaring cost of food items has placed an enormous burden on our people, particularly our workforce, who earn a fixed income,” he said. “This program aligns with our broader vision of transforming Jigawa State into an agricultural hub. By encouraging workers to participate in farming, we contribute to increased food production, reduced reliance on food imports, and the overall development of our rural economy.”
For the current farming season, the program targets the production of rice, sorghum, millet, and sesame. It aims to provide support in the form of cost inputs supply and soft cash loans to cover the cost of labor and other farm management expenses.
The loan package includes N250,000 for millet, sorghum, and sesame cultivation, covering the cost of inputs such as three bags of NPK and one bag of Urea per hectare, along with assorted chemicals and pesticides.
The remaining funds will cover operational costs. For rice cultivation, the package amounts to N500,000, covering the costs of six bags of NPK and three bags of Urea per hectare, along with assorted chemicals and pesticides, with the remaining balance for other farm operations.
The program targets all civil servants in the state, but phase one covers over 8,430 civil servants in both state and local government services, as well as about 400 public and political office holders.
“The government intends to institutionalize the Jigawa Workers Agricultural Support Program as a revolving loan to be implemented during all planting seasons—both rain-fed and irrigation,” Governor Namadi stated. “To sustain the program effectively, just as we have the Car and Motor Vehicle Loans for Civil Servants, the initial funding must be safeguarded.”
He urged all beneficiaries to abide by the program’s conditions, emphasizing the importance of utilizing the inputs package and funds for their intended purposes and ensuring timely repayment.
