The Special Adviser to the Bauchi State Governor on Agriculture, Iliyasu Gital, has called on farmers across the state to gear up for dry season farming as the harmattan season approaches. He stressed the need for early preparations and infrastructure improvements to enhance agricultural productivity and tackle food security issues.
Gital pointed out that food shortages are not just a result of insufficient production but also stem from poverty and the lack of resources available to farmers. He highlighted Bauchi State’s vast agricultural potential, especially with its fertile lands in the southern and northern regions, which could greatly increase food output with adequate infrastructure support.
He urged farmers to adopt a business-oriented approach to farming, treating it as a source of livelihood and a means of ensuring national food security. Gital cautioned against selling subsidized agricultural inputs for profit and emphasized the need for better support for water harvesting and irrigation systems.
The government, committed to aiding farmers, has pledged infrastructure and advisory support, partnering with agencies like the Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme and leveraging local media to reach farmers. He encouraged farmers to take advantage of these resources and prepare responsibly.
To further bolster food production, the Bauchi State Government has allocated $250,000 for this purpose. Additionally, the Central Bank of Nigeria has dedicated N5.7 billion in loans to benefit 10,000 farmers for dry season wheat farming in the state.
