Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, has encouraged farmers in the state to focus on dry season farming by taking advantage of the Lower Niger Basin to boost crop yield and overall productivity.

The governor gave the advice during the flag-off of the distribution of farming implements and relief materials at the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) headquarters in Minna.

Governor Bago also urged farmers to engage in pasture production in line with the presidential initiative on livestock and agriculture. He said this would help mitigate recurring farmer-herder clashes in the state while improving food security.

“I have noticed that our farmers don’t really get much from rainy season farming. That’s why I am encouraging them to take advantage of the Low Niger Basin for dry season farming to boost their production,” the governor said.

“Our farmers are also complaining about the crash in prices of food items and how they are not making profits. So, I want to encourage them to start animal production to increase their sources of income and, in turn, reduce farmer-herder clashes,” he added.

Governor Bago further pledged to provide 160 additional water pumps, in addition to the 160 already allocated to the state by N-HYPPADEC, to support agricultural activities. He also stressed the need for public sensitization and strict enforcement of life jacket use to curb frequent boat mishaps in riverine communities.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, revealed that out of 850 units of 13-horsepower hand-driven power tillers meant for all N-HYPPADEC states, 165 units had been allocated to Niger State.

“Other items include 4,000 life jackets, 500 bags of NPK fertilizers, 50 cartons of pesticides, and 100 cartons of herbicides for flood-affected communities in Mokwa and other local government areas of the state,” Yelwa stated.

He added that the distribution of these items was part of the commission’s ongoing efforts to reduce vulnerability, improve livelihoods, and promote inclusive development in host communities.

The Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Matthew Ahmed, in his goodwill message, commended N-HYPPADEC for its interventions aimed at ensuring food security and protecting lives in the state.

Similarly, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, lauded the initiative and praised the leadership of N-HYPPADEC for its positive impact on communities across Niger and other member states.