Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has kicked off the distribution of inputs for the Nigeria Agricultural Growth and Sustainable Productivity dry-season wheat production programme. The event was held in Indusuman, Jere Local Government Area, as part of ongoing efforts to expand food security and promote year-round farming in the state. The programme is expected to support farmers with essential materials that can boost productivity and reduce the pressure on imported food.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Food Security, Engr. Bawu Musami, praised the Federal Government for what he described as consistent backing for agricultural development. He said the expansion of large-scale irrigation farming has created more opportunities for farmers to grow crops beyond the rainy season. According to him, Borno has a natural advantage due to its fertile land and strong irrigation potential around the Lake Chad region. Musami explained that the state government is also reviving irrigation schemes in places where insurgency once disrupted farming, noting that the goal is to restore livelihoods and increase agricultural output.
The Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, restated the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen agricultural and food security policies nationwide. He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu places agriculture at the core of the Renewed Hope Agenda. According to him, reducing dependence on imported food remains a key priority. Senator Kyari described the rollout of the dry-season wheat initiative in Borno as an important step towards rebuilding irrigation farming culture in the Lake Chad basin. He added that the inputs shared with farmers will improve resilience and support more sustainable food systems.
Governor Zulum expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its continued support. He noted that Borno remains one of Nigeria’s most promising agricultural hubs with vast arable and irrigable land. He said his administration will continue to back all-year-round farming through infrastructure, logistics, machinery, quality seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals and other resources to boost productivity across the state.
