In a bold move to tackle food insecurity and rising youth unemployment, the Adamawa State Government has announced a N2 billion investment in the procurement of agricultural inputs ahead of the 2025 farming season.
Professor David Jatau, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, disclosed this during an interview with journalists on Monday in Yola, describing the initiative as a significant step toward revitalising the state’s agricultural sector.
Jatau explained that the inputs, including fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides, would be distributed across the 21 local government areas as part of the government’s broader agricultural intervention programme.
“One of the key policies of the government is the development of 300 hectares of farmland in each local government area, to be allocated to 300 youths to farm,” he said.
“They will receive inputs such as fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides at subsidised rates, and would retain the entire proceeds of their harvests.”
The commissioner noted that while the government had previously supported farmers through the provision of inputs, the latest intervention was deliberately designed to arrive ahead of the season to ensure better planning and productivity.
“Already, 10,000 bags of assorted fertilisers are on ground and ready for distribution,” he said.
“The programme has already commenced in six LGAs, including Madagali, Michika, Hong, Maiha, Demsa, and Ganye. By next year, during the rainy season, we will extend the programme to the remaining LGAs. Once fully implemented, we expect a significant reduction in youth unemployment.”
Jatau lamented that many young people in the state were eager to engage in farming but lacked the capital to do so, linking the state’s security challenges to hunger and economic disempowerment.
“So many youths want to go to the farm, but they lack the capital. That is why the Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, intervened by providing farm inputs and empowering the jobless youths,” he said.
“The initiative is expected to increase crop yields, improve food security, and enhance the livelihoods of citizens.”
As part of the intervention, Jatau said farmers would also be trained in climate-smart agricultural practices. These include soil testing, identifying soil textures, and using the right type and quantity of fertilisers to maximise yield.
He acknowledged the role of development partners in supporting Adamawa’s agricultural drive, singling out the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for donating various hand-held farming machines such as harvesters, planters, and cultivators to cooperative societies.
Jatau also revealed that the state government’s partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) would further boost productivity at the grassroots level.
With these strategic efforts, the Adamawa government is positioning agriculture as a viable tool for economic empowerment, food sufficiency, and long-term peacebuilding in the state.
