The Sokoto State Government has unveiled plans to construct three dams to support Fadama and dry-season farming under its integrated agricultural project. This initiative is aimed at boosting agricultural productivity in the state. The Economic Adviser to the Governor, Bashir Achida, shared this development during an interview with journalists in Abuja on Friday.
According to Mr. Achida, the state government will also purchase 244 additional tractors to enhance mechanized farming. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to commercialize agriculture and ensure food security in Sokoto State. “This initiative is designed to improve the livelihoods of the people and strengthen the state’s economy,” he said.
The integrated agricultural plan encompasses a wide range of activities, including animal husbandry, poultry farming, and the establishment of rice mills in all three senatorial zones. The state also intends to cultivate hundreds of hectares of land, leveraging its natural resources like rivers and existing dams to maximize agricultural output.
Mr. Achida emphasized Sokoto’s competitive edge in producing key cash crops such as onion, garlic, and millet. “We are the top producers of onion and garlic in West Africa. Each day, between 50 to 100 trucks of these crops are transported to countries like Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and others across the continent,” he said.
Recognizing the agrarian nature of Sokoto, the state government has prioritized support for the agriculture sector since coming into office. It has already procured seeds, fertilizers, and farming equipment and is now working on two critical projects aimed at sustaining this momentum. Additionally, the government is implementing measures to reduce post-harvest losses.
In a bid to diversify the economy, the Sokoto State Government is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to secure licenses for untapped mineral resources. Achida noted that five investors have already shown interest in minerals such as limestone, iron ore, and gold.
The state is also focusing on economic tree planting to promote sustainable growth and combat climate change. “We’ve identified areas in the senatorial zones suitable for growing economic trees like shea butter, and we’re working with the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Chamber of Commerce to supply and plant these trees,” he explained.
In terms of disaster preparedness, the government is taking steps to protect farmers and residents from natural calamities. Measures include partnering with the National Agriculture Insurance Cooperation and implementing flood mitigation strategies such as buffer dams. Furthermore, palliatives have been distributed to those in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps to alleviate the impact of recent disasters.
“The government is committed to ensuring a competitive and sustainable agricultural sector while safeguarding the well-being of its citizens,” Mr. Achida concluded.
