Commentary on the Badakoshi Agricultural Scheme in Nasarawa State
- By Super Admin
- Published 08/13/2010
- News
- Unrated
The Administration of Governor Aliyu Akwe Doma in Nasarawa State has since inception three years ago identified agriculture as a viable economic enterprise with the potential to positively transform the economy of the state to meet the socio-economic needs of the state and its people.
The major agricultural policy thrust of the administration as enshrined in its 13- Point Agenda is the “restoration of agriculture as the main economic activity of the people of the state in order to ensure sustainable food security, create employment and enhance economic status of the people”
Leveraging on the state’s abundant arable land, favourable weather, several water sources, and vibrant human resource base and in keeping with his vision, Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma (Madauchin Doma) launched his novel initiative, The Badakoshi Agricultural Scheme in July 2009. Badakoshi, a Hausa word which literally means ‘food sufficiency’ is a scheme designed to run for five years, 2009-2014 in the first instance.
Major features of Badakoshi are the provision of incentives geared toward diversifying the state’s economy; promote food security and international trade through focused mass production of agricultural products.
In its first year, over 500 Million naira was given as loan to over 760 deserving small, medium and large scale farmers at minimal interest rate and well as 52 others who benefitted from the tractor loan.
Under the Badakoshi Scheme, tons of assorted fertilizers, improved seeds and seedlings, pesticides and other farm inputs were also distributed at highly subsidized costs.
One year after, the Scheme has recorded tremendous successes. It has revived and generated phenomenal interest in agriculture, increased food production as well as stimulate active participation of youths and women groups in agricultural activities.
Spurred by gains recorded, Governor Doma launched the Second Edition of the Badakoshi Agricultural Scheme with pomp and pageantry on July 3rd, 2010 at Andaha town in Akwanga Local Government Area of the State.
Highlight of the launch was the disbursement of Five Hundred Million Naira as agricultural loans and allocation of 100 tractors. Other items disbursed are Agricultural Processing Machineries, vehicles and motorcycles, sales of assorted fertilizers and agro-chemicals as well as improved seeds, seedlings, livestock and fishery equipment.
Mindful of the increased yield and the need to sustain the export of Pepa yam to UK and other European markets; Government is making concerted efforts to complete the Export Processing Centre at Keffi, with a similar one planned for Lafia, the state capital.
Similarly, Government has set up a monitoring and evaluation team in addition to the expansion and strengthening of the State Agricultural Extension Services as well as the Nasarawa State Produce Development and Marketing Company Limited to ensure complete success of the Badakoshi Scheme.
It is worthy of note that everyone is in agreement, especially farmers in Nasarawa State; that the Agricultural sector under Governor Doma is enjoying a golden era as never witnessed before. This is clearly demonstrated by increase interest in agriculture, improved yield and economic fortunes of beneficiaries. A feat acknowledged and commended by Agricultural experts, stakeholders and many others.
Applauding the Badakoshi Scheme, the Kaduna State Governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa could not hide his feelings when he stated that the state had the capacity and capability of not only feeding the nation but spear heading an agro based industrial revolution.
Speaking in the same vein, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Professor Sheikh Ahmad Abdallah said the Nasarawa initiative will be considered for inclusion in the National Agriculture policy.
With Governor Doma’s avowed commitment to sustain the momentum already gained Nasarawa State is surely moving to occupy its rightful position as a leading food producer with the capacity to feed the nation and curb poverty among its people.
The major agricultural policy thrust of the administration as enshrined in its 13- Point Agenda is the “restoration of agriculture as the main economic activity of the people of the state in order to ensure sustainable food security, create employment and enhance economic status of the people”
Leveraging on the state’s abundant arable land, favourable weather, several water sources, and vibrant human resource base and in keeping with his vision, Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma (Madauchin Doma) launched his novel initiative, The Badakoshi Agricultural Scheme in July 2009. Badakoshi, a Hausa word which literally means ‘food sufficiency’ is a scheme designed to run for five years, 2009-2014 in the first instance.
Major features of Badakoshi are the provision of incentives geared toward diversifying the state’s economy; promote food security and international trade through focused mass production of agricultural products.
In its first year, over 500 Million naira was given as loan to over 760 deserving small, medium and large scale farmers at minimal interest rate and well as 52 others who benefitted from the tractor loan.
Under the Badakoshi Scheme, tons of assorted fertilizers, improved seeds and seedlings, pesticides and other farm inputs were also distributed at highly subsidized costs.
One year after, the Scheme has recorded tremendous successes. It has revived and generated phenomenal interest in agriculture, increased food production as well as stimulate active participation of youths and women groups in agricultural activities.
Spurred by gains recorded, Governor Doma launched the Second Edition of the Badakoshi Agricultural Scheme with pomp and pageantry on July 3rd, 2010 at Andaha town in Akwanga Local Government Area of the State.
Highlight of the launch was the disbursement of Five Hundred Million Naira as agricultural loans and allocation of 100 tractors. Other items disbursed are Agricultural Processing Machineries, vehicles and motorcycles, sales of assorted fertilizers and agro-chemicals as well as improved seeds, seedlings, livestock and fishery equipment.
Mindful of the increased yield and the need to sustain the export of Pepa yam to UK and other European markets; Government is making concerted efforts to complete the Export Processing Centre at Keffi, with a similar one planned for Lafia, the state capital.
Similarly, Government has set up a monitoring and evaluation team in addition to the expansion and strengthening of the State Agricultural Extension Services as well as the Nasarawa State Produce Development and Marketing Company Limited to ensure complete success of the Badakoshi Scheme.
It is worthy of note that everyone is in agreement, especially farmers in Nasarawa State; that the Agricultural sector under Governor Doma is enjoying a golden era as never witnessed before. This is clearly demonstrated by increase interest in agriculture, improved yield and economic fortunes of beneficiaries. A feat acknowledged and commended by Agricultural experts, stakeholders and many others.
Applauding the Badakoshi Scheme, the Kaduna State Governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa could not hide his feelings when he stated that the state had the capacity and capability of not only feeding the nation but spear heading an agro based industrial revolution.
Speaking in the same vein, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Professor Sheikh Ahmad Abdallah said the Nasarawa initiative will be considered for inclusion in the National Agriculture policy.
With Governor Doma’s avowed commitment to sustain the momentum already gained Nasarawa State is surely moving to occupy its rightful position as a leading food producer with the capacity to feed the nation and curb poverty among its people.
