Jigawa Approves N3.5bn Grants For 30,000 Rural Farmers

Jigawa State executive council has approved the release of N3.5billion as a non-refundable grants to support 30,000 farmers to boost production.

The state commissioner for information, youths, sports and culture, Hon. Sagir Musa, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the meeting yesterday.

He said the grant which included cash, farm inputs and implements would be distributed to selected rural  Fadama farmers to enhance their capacity to produce more.

According to him, the programme is being supported by the World Bank under the COVID-19 Economic Recovery and Stimulation Design to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hon Sagir added that the  30,000 beneficiaries were carefully selected  by the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources under the FADAMA phase IV and V to boost food security and improve the livelihood of rural communities.

“The initiative is expected not only to mitigate the immediate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic but also contribute to long-term agricultural sustainability and economic growth in the state,” Sagir said.

The commissioner reiterated the commitment of  Governor Umar Namadi to empower Jigawa people through their own businesses for development.