SAPZ Hosts Rice Brown Field Day, Distributes Inputs to 9,000 Farmers in Kano

News in brief:

-About 10,000 farmers received improved rice seeds, fertilisers, and crop protection inputs in Kano State.

-SAPZ Field Day demonstrates climate-smart techniques to enhance yields and rural incomes.

The Federal Government, through the Kano State Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) Programme in collaboration with IFAD, has reaffirmed its commitment to improving productivity and strengthening agricultural value chains in Nigeria.

The Farmer Field Day, held at the Chiromawa Garin Babba Cluster, is part of activities marking the ongoing Joint FGN/SAPZ/IFAD Second Supervision Mission between November 24 and December 23.

The parties are evaluating progress in Kano and Ogun states while defining strategic next steps to ensure the effective delivery of SAPZ objectives.

Training Demonstrates Practical Yield-Boosting Solutions

State Project Coordinator, Aminu Iliyasu, described the Field Day as a platform for farmers to learn modern, science-based techniques that can accelerate productivity and improve livelihoods.

Demonstrations included a climate-smart cultivation exercise, improved FARO 44 rice seeds, efficient fertiliser application, irrigation and water management, integrated pest management, and post-harvest loss reduction technologies.

“These innovations are not theoretical. They are practical solutions our farmers can adopt immediately to raise productivity and increase income,” Iliyasu stated.

Nearly 10,000 Farmers Benefit From SAPZ Support

SAPZ Knowledge Management and Communication Officer, Hajiya Rabi Mustapha Sadiq, confirmed that climate-resilient agricultural inputs were distributed to rice farmers across Garin Malam, Gezawa, Bichi and Bagwai LGAs during the 2025 wet season.

Inputs provided include FARO 44 improved rice seeds, Urea and NPK fertilisers, as well as insecticides.

Sadiq noted that the support specifically targets production resilience, food security, and value chain competitiveness.

Technical Guidance to Improve Yield and Food Security

Agricultural experts trained farmers on soil selection and seed dressing, nursery establishment and land preparation, proper transplanting and spacing, weed and pest control, harvesting at optimal maturity, and safe drying and storage practices.

Farmers also received training on fumigation using phostoxin to minimise post-harvest losses from insect and rodent damage.

Farmers Record Significant Productivity Boost

Beneficiary farmer, Huwaila Shuaibu Ibrahim, credited the programme with transforming their farming approach and increasing yields.

“This season, we cultivated FARO 44, and yields rose from 20–25 bags per acre to about 40 bags after applying the new training,” she shared.

Officials expressed confidence that the programme will continue to help farmers in Kano expand production, withstand climate challenges, and improve income security.