Kebbi State Targets 150,000 Metric Tons of Potato Production to Aid Flood-Affected Farmers
The Kebbi State Government has launched an ambitious initiative to produce 150,000 metric tons of potatoes under its Residual Moisture Crop Production Scheme. The program, spearheaded by Governor Nasir Idris, aims to support farmers devastated by the 2024 floods, helping them recover their investments and rebuild their livelihoods.
The scheme focuses on crop production in Raha, Bahindin Bagogo, and Mayama, located in Bunza, Bagudo, and Maiyama Local Government Areas. During an inspection of potato plantations in Raha village, Bunza LGA, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Shehu Ma’azu, outlined the government’s efforts to assist affected farmers. He revealed that the state distributed fertilizers, improved seeds, and chemicals to enable farmers to cultivate potatoes, cassava, and maize.
“Initially, we aimed to engage 10,000 farmers, but today, over 16,000 farmers are participating in the production of potatoes, cassava, and maize,” Ma’azu stated. “We anticipate a yield of at least 15 tons per hectare of potatoes. Multiplying this by 10,000 hectares gives us our target of 150,000 metric tons.”
The initiative is designed to provide psychological relief to farmers, demonstrating the government’s solidarity and commitment to helping them recover from the flood’s devastation. Ma’azu attributed the flooding to the overflow of the River Zamfara, a major tributary of the River Niger, which caused widespread damage across the state.
Following the disaster, Governor Idris alerted the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and emphasized the need to transform the suffering of the people into opportunities for growth. “After the floods, we brainstormed in the ministry and decided to utilize the residual moisture left behind to cultivate early-maturing crops like potatoes, cassava, and maize in some areas,” Ma’azu explained. “The governor provided all necessary support to encourage affected farmers to engage in crop production.”
During the inspection, Ma’azu expressed satisfaction with the progress, noting that some farmers had already begun harvesting their potatoes. “This is a very positive development for us,” he said. He also commended the participating communities for their enthusiastic response, highlighting the widespread adoption of the program. “From here to Mungadi and Mayalo, spanning seven to ten kilometers, you can see potato farms everywhere, demonstrating the program’s acceptance.”
To ensure the initiative’s long-term sustainability, the Kebbi State Government plans to develop a comprehensive potato value chain. This strategy aims to encourage farmers to increase production and maximize economic benefits. Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture has organized stakeholder engagements to facilitate the program’s successful implementation.
The Residual Moisture Crop Production Scheme represents a critical step in Kebbi State’s efforts to bolster agricultural resilience, support flood-affected communities, and enhance food security in the region.
