The Bank of Agriculture (BOA), in collaboration with WACOT Limited, has launched a major agricultural support programme aimed at improving access to quality farm inputs and affordable loans for smallholder farmers in Jigawa State.
The initiative, introduced under the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Smallholder Farmer Support and Value Chain Programme, is designed to boost agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, and increase farmers' incomes.
Speaking during the launch, BOA's Executive Director for Operations and Technology, Tosin Salami, said the programme combines access to finance with improved seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals, extension services, agronomic support, and guaranteed markets for farm produce.
According to him, the nationwide intervention is expected to benefit more than two million farmers across over 20 states through the distribution of over 10 million bags of fertilizer, improved seeds, and structured financing. He added that women will make up more than one-third of the beneficiaries.
Salami disclosed that about 200,000 farmers are expected to benefit during the current farming season, while the number is projected to rise to 500,000 during the dry season.
He explained that the programme aims to increase average crop yields from the current one to one-and-a-half tonnes per hectare to between three and five tonnes through the use of hybrid seeds and improved farming practices.
Each participating farmer will receive improved seeds, two to three bags of fertilizer, and approximately 20 litres of agrochemicals. The support package, valued at about ₦500,000, is offered as a loan with a single-digit interest rate of nine percent and a repayment period of nine months.
BOA also announced plans to expand irrigation support to encourage year-round farming and improve agricultural output.
WACOT Limited's Managing Director, Naveen Chaurasia, reaffirmed the company's commitment to providing quality farm inputs, technical support, and structured out-grower schemes for crops such as sesame, rice, and soybean. He urged farmers to embrace modern agricultural practices to improve productivity and profitability.
Representing the Gumel Emirate Council, Alhaji Musa Ayuba welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant boost for farming communities in the state. He also called for sustained access to affordable agricultural credit and expanded insurance coverage to protect farmers against losses caused by natural disasters.
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