Jigawa Launches Bio-fortified Seed Varieties to Combat Malnutrition

Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has officially launched the distribution of climate-resilient, bio-fortified seed varieties—specifically millet and maize—as part of a broader strategy to combat malnutrition and build sustainable farming systems across the state.

Flagged off in Dutse, the initiative aligns with Governor Namadi’s 12-point agenda and reinforces his administration’s focus on enhancing food and nutrition security through sustainable agriculture.

Speaking at the launch, Governor Namadi described the intervention as both agricultural and health-driven. 

“Indeed, the launch of climate-resilient and bio-fortified seeds stands as a powerful declaration of our resolve to ensure not only unimpeded and timely access to quality seeds by our farmers, but also very importantly, access to the kind of seeds that will complement our efforts in achieving environmental sustainability and improvement in the health and health conditions of our people,” he said.

He added that the state is distributing the seeds to 30,000 smallholder farmers across Jigawa, in what he called a “critical and practical step” within the state’s larger agricultural transformation plan.

Supported by HarvestPlus, the programme focuses on millet and maize—two crops known for their local adaptability and elevated nutrient levels, including vitamin A, iron, and zinc.

Governor Namadi further highlighted the initiative’s relevance in addressing urgent challenges: “As most of us are aware, we are presently faced with the existential risks of climate change, which manifest in various dimensions, including drought, perennial floods, and the unpredictability of the farming season. We also recognise the burden of malnutrition, particularly among children, for which we believe the only lasting solution is food and nutrition security in all households, whether in rural or urban communities.” 

“These specialised seeds are therefore a direct response in empowering our farmers with the tools to confront these challenges head-on and to support our development objectives across other sectors. In other words, this initiative is not a standalone intervention. It forms part of the comprehensive and integrated reform agenda, which continuously leverages synergies across sectors to achieve a common purpose of sustainable improvement in the well-being of our people.”

Governor Namadi outlined further elements of the state’s agricultural reforms, including the recruitment of 1,435 extension workers, support for over 40,000 rice and wheat farmers, and the establishment of key institutions such as the Jigawa Agricultural Transformation Agency and Jigawa Farm Mechanization Service Company.

Additional efforts include the creation of 60 Farm Service Centres and plans to launch a dedicated Ministry of Livestock, aimed at expanding agricultural productivity and positioning Jigawa as a national agricultural leader.

Also speaking at the event, Yusuf Dollar Fu’ad, Country Manager of HarvestPlus Nigeria, praised the state for its foresight. 

“Research has also shown that rising temperatures due to climate change are immensely depleting the nutrients we have in our staple crops, hence the need for us to increase our investment in creating access to these nutritious varieties,” he said.

As part of the rollout, farmers and extension workers across the state will receive training and technical support to ensure the optimal use of the bio-fortified seeds—planting not just for yield, but for health, resilience, and long-term sustainability.