The Bauchi State Government has approved two days off per week for civil servants on Grade Level 12 and below to enable them to participate in farming activities during the 2025 farming season.
Governor Bala Mohammed announced the initiative while flagging off the farming season and launching the sale of fertilizer in Alkaleri Local Government Area.
He said the move aligns with the government’s broader agricultural development agenda aimed at boosting food production and driving economic growth.
Governor Mohammed noted that agriculture remains central to the state’s economic sustainability and emphasized the importance of involving public servants in farming to ensure food security.
He also disclosed plans to train 1,000 youths across all 20 local government areas of the state in various agricultural practices as part of the administration’s youth empowerment drive.
To support this year’s farming season, the governor announced the sale of NPK fertilizer at a subsidized rate of ₦20,000 per bag.
He also revealed that 40 tractors and other essential farming inputs have been procured to aid farmers.
Highlighting the economic potential of cassava farming, Governor Mohammed called on the Federal Government and other states to invest in large-scale cassava production to maximize its benefits.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Iliyasu Aliyu Gital—represented by the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Bala Musa Lukshi—said the ministry is working to eliminate the circulation of adulterated seeds and fake inputs.
He added that the ministry will create a direct engagement platform between the government and farmers to ensure effective implementation of agricultural policies and programs.
Reporting by By Isiyaka Wunti