The Special Adviser to the Bauchi State Governor on Agriculture, Iliyasu Gital, has issued a call to action to farmers in the state, urging them to prepare for the dry season farming as the harmattan season approaches.
Gital emphasized the importance of early preparations and infrastructure development to boost agricultural productivity and address food security challenges.
“Agriculture is struggling due to food shortages, not solely because of lack of food but also due to poverty and powerlessness among farmers,” Gital explained.
He highlighted Bauchi State’s potential, noting that its abundance of arable land, particularly in the southern and northern regions, could significantly contribute to the state’s food production with the right infrastructure.
Gital encouraged farmers to shift their mindset from subsistence farming to a business model, viewing their efforts as a source of income and national food security.
He also warned against selling subsidized inputs for profit and emphasized the need for enhanced support for water harvesting and irrigation infrastructure.
To support farmers, the government has committed to providing infrastructure and advisory services through collaborations with agencies like the Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme and local media.
Gital urged farmers to take advantage of these resources and prepare responsibly.
The Bauchi State Government has already taken steps to support farmers, allocating $250,000 to boost food production.
Additionally, the Central Bank of Nigeria has set aside N5.7 billion to loan to 10,000 farmers for dry season wheat farming in the state.