By Samuel Luka
Bauchi State Commissioner of Water Resources, Abdulrazak Nuhu Zaki, has emphasized the importance of irrigation to boost the state's economy and improve food security.
Zaki who spoke to journalists during the launching of Bauchi's 2025/2026 dry season farming in Akuyam community, Misau Local Government Area, commended Governor Bala Mohammed's initiative in agriculture and other sectors of the economy.
According to the commissioner, going by the last rain fed farming season's drought that led to poor yields, irrigation activities are key to addressing its negative effect.
He stressed that fertilizer subsidies would ease farmers' costs and increase production, noting that Bauchi State is a major food producer in the country.
Zaki, who appealed to the federal government to subsidize fertilizer and make it more accessible to farmers, caution the beneficiaries of Bauchi government's support, to use the farm inputs given to them judiciously and avoid the temptations of selling them.
He said subsidizing fertilizer and other farming inputs will ease farmers' costs and increase production.
"You know, irrigation is very important. Last farming season we had a drought which affected farmers. Resorting to irrigation will boost the economy of the state and the nation as a whole", the commissioner said.
"So we are very much grateful today for this initiative, and His Excellency has been doing this every year", Hon Zaki disclosed.
Governor Mohammed while launching the dry season farming, announced plans to procure 300 additional tractors and 30 combined harvesters in 2026, refurbish existing equipment, and establish a robust tractor hiring system to make mechanization accessible and affordable for smallholder farmers.
He urged local government chairmen to ensure the tractors benefit the intended communities and smallholder farmers.
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