The Open Government Partnership in Jigawa has called on state authorities to speed up distribution of farm equipment to rural communities. The group says delays are preventing the investments from helping farmers as intended.
Isah Mustapha, the organisation's co-chair, signed the statement backing the government's agricultural push. He noted the state has nearly doubled spending on farming over recent years.
Budget allocation to agriculture has jumped from under five per cent to between 10 and 12 per cent, officials confirmed. The government also created a new ministry and agency dedicated to farming and livestock.
Large-scale machinery procurement and mechanisation centres across all 30 constituencies represent major progress, according to the group. But there's a problem: the equipment sits unused.
Assets remain exposed to weather damage while farmers struggle with high production costs. Access to mechanised farming services remains limited in many areas.
Over 90 per cent of Jigawa's population depends on agriculture directly or indirectly. Quick equipment deployment would boost productivity and lower farming costs significantly.
The government hired more than 900 extension workers under its J-AGROG programme recently. However, motorcycles meant to support their fieldwork have sat in storage for nearly a year.
Extended delays risk damaging the bikes before they're even used, the partnership warned. Maintenance costs could spiral if the machines deteriorate while stored.
Prompt distribution would strengthen extension services across farming communities, according to the statement. Better field support would also help achieve the state's food security targets.
OGP pressed authorities to act immediately on both equipment and motorcycles. The group stressed that public investments must translate into real benefits for farmers.
Quick action would support broader economic growth and sustainable development in the state. Officials haven't yet responded to the partnership's appeal.
