The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Kano State Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) Programme in partnership with IFAD, has reaffirmed its commitment to boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening value chains.
This followed a Farmer Field Day held at the Chiromawa Garin Babba Cluster, as part of activities for the Joint FGN/SAPZ/IFAD Second Supervision Mission scheduled from November 24 to December 23, 2025.
Read Also: SAPZ Programme, KNARDA Sign MoAA to Boost Agricultural Development in Kano
The mission aims to assess progress recorded so far, review earlier field reports from Kano and Ogun states, and outline next steps to improve implementation and ensure the successful achievement of the Programme Development Objectives.
Speaking during the event, the State Project Coordinator, Aminu Iliyasu, said the Field Day was designed to expose farmers to science-based, practical solutions capable of improving yields and enhancing rural livelihoods. He described the event as a celebration of knowledge, innovation, and farmers’ resilience.
According to him, the SAPZ initiative in Kano aims to expand access to modern technologies, strengthen extension services, reduce post-harvest losses, and create new market opportunities. Farmers witnessed demonstrations on climate-smart farming, improved seeds, fertilizer application, irrigation, pest control, and post-harvest technologies.
“These innovations are not theoretical. They are practical solutions our farmers can adopt immediately to raise productivity and increase income,” he said, appreciating the support of local authorities, partners, and traditional leaders in strengthening the programme.
The SAPZ Knowledge Management and Communication Officer, Hajiya Rabi Mustapha Sadiq, revealed that 9,870 climate-resilient agricultural inputs were distributed to rice farmers in Garin Malam, Gezawa, Bichi, and Bagwai LGAs during the 2025 wet season. These include FARO 44 improved seeds, Urea, NPK fertilizers, and insecticides.
During the training session, experts guided farmers on good agronomic practices for rice production—ranging from selecting fertile soils, seed dressing, nursery establishment, land preparation, to timely transplanting at proper spacing. They also covered fertilizer management, weed control, Integrated Pest Management, and water regulation to improve yields.
The training further emphasized harvesting rice at optimal maturity and drying paddy to safe moisture levels before storage, alongside fumigation techniques using phostoxin to prevent losses to insects and rodents.
Officials expressed optimism that with continued support from SAPZ and partners, farmers in Kano State are now better equipped to increase rice yields, withstand climate pressures, and improve household incomes.
One of the beneficiaries, Huwaila Shuaibu Ibrahim, said the intervention has transformed their farming approach. “Before, we planted without checking whether the land was suitable. Now, we first assess the soil to know if it matches the seed variety. This season, we cultivated FARO 44,” she said, adding that yields rose from 20–25 bags per acre to about 40 bags after applying the new training.
 Programme in partnership with IFAD, has reaffi){kind=link}