Uba Sani distributes intervention to 5,000 cooperatives
Governor Uba Sani Aims to Transform Kaduna State into Agricultural Capital of Northern Nigeria
Kaduna, Nigeria — Governor Uba Sani announced his administration’s goal to establish Kaduna State as the agricultural and livestock capital of Northern Nigeria during the launch of a Livestock Intervention initiative aimed at supporting 5,000 cooperatives on Thursday.
At the event, which was attended by various stakeholders and organized by the state government, Sani underscored the importance of making Kaduna a center for innovation, productivity, and inclusive growth in agriculture.
The initiative included the distribution of 500 solar-powered freezers, 300 feed millers, 3,000 bags of poultry feed, and 200,000 day-old chicks to farmer cooperatives across all 23 Local Government Areas in the state. The Governor was represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe.
“We are committed to building a Kaduna that can feed itself, support the nation, and compete in global markets,” Sani said. He envisions a future where Kaduna stands as a leader in Nigeria’s agricultural development.
Referring to the state’s previous achievements in livestock development, Sani highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and support for farmers. Initiatives include rehabilitation of abattoirs, construction of veterinary clinics, and deployment of mobile veterinary teams to ensure timely healthcare for livestock.
Vaccination campaigns have successfully protected over 850,000 cattle, 250,000 sheep and goats, and 250,000 poultry from transboundary diseases, contributing to both economic stability and public health.
Additionally, Sani noted that his administration distributed 100 residue crushers and 50 fodder choppers to convert crop residues into livestock feed, thereby improving feed availability. The state has also established demonstration fields for pasture production and provided mineral licks and feed supplements to enhance livestock nutrition.
To address water shortages in pastoral communities, solar-powered boreholes with drinking troughs have been installed, ensuring consistent access to water year-round. Farmers have also received milking cans and tricycles to facilitate the efficient transport of milk to collection centers, reducing post-harvest losses and improving income for dairy farmers.
These livestock initiatives complement broader agricultural reforms, including the Tallafin Noma (A Koma Gona) program, which has empowered 69,000 crop farmers with essential resources. Seasonal agricultural empowerment programs have also provided solar-powered irrigation pumps, targeting nearly one million smallholder farmers.
Efforts to enhance rural infrastructure by constructing new roads aim to decrease transportation costs, benefiting both crop and livestock producers.
Sani emphasized that Kaduna State is not only increasing livestock productivity but is also laying the groundwork for large-scale processing and export initiatives, including the establishment of Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones and Agricultural Quality Assurance Centers.
“These projects will ensure that Kaduna’s livestock and dairy products meet international standards and can access premium markets,” he stated.
In closing, Sani called on farmers to utilize the provided resources wisely and collaboratively to maximize their impact and foster prosperity within the community.
