Kaduna State Agricultural Development Agency, KADA Samaru Zone

Pre-Wet Season Farming Guide for Smallholder Farmers

Farming Preparation Checklist
1. Prepare the Land
- Clear bushes and debris.
- Plough the soil.
- Add organic matter (compost or manure) to enrich fertility.

2. Select Quality Seeds
- Choose improved varieties.
- Prefer drought-tolerant and early-maturing types.

3. Check & Repair Farm Tools
- Inspect hoes, cutlasses, sprayers, and other essentials.
- Repair or replace damaged tools before planting.

4. Pest & W**d Control
- Apply preventive measures early.
- Ensure weeds and pests are managed before planting begins.

5. Engage our extension agents for expert guidance.

Start Right. Farm Smart. Harvest More.

KADA Strengthens Agricultural Extension Through Strategic MoU for Nigeria Public–Private Partnership – AI-Enabled Digital Advisory Planning (NPPP-AI-DAP)

1. Earlier today, Kaduna State has taken a significant step toward transforming agricultural extension services with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Extension Africa, Kaduna State Ministry of Agriculture and the Kaduna State Agricultural Development Agency (KADA). The partnership aims to enhance farmers’ access to timely, data-driven advisory services through digital innovation.

2. The Nigeria Public–Private Partnership – AI-Enabled Digital Advisory Planning (NPPP-AI-DAP) initiative is a planning-phase public–private partnership aimed at laying the institutional, policy and governance foundations for a scalable, AI-enabled agricultural extension and advisory platform in Nigeria. As part of this planning phase, State-Level Tripartite Coordination Committees are established in selected pilot states to provide structured coordination, alignment, and oversight during design and readiness activities.

3. In his welcome address, Dr. Godwin Atser, Country Director of the Sasakawa Africa Association, emphasized the importance of strengthening extension systems to meet the evolving needs of farmers. He further commended KADA and the Extension Africa for the proactive adoption of digital solutions and collaborative partnerships.

4. Delivering the opening remarks, the Honourable Commissioner of Agriculture, Murtala Dabo, reaffirmed the state government’s efforts to modernize agriculture through strategic collaborations. He emphasized that leveraging technology would improve knowledge dissemination and boost productivity across value chains.

5. In his keynote address, the General Manager, Malam Muhammad RILI, described the partnership as a milestone in advancing extension delivery. He highlighted that integrating digital tools would bridge existing gaps between research institutions, extension agents and farmers, ultimately improving outcomes at the grassroots level. He further stressed the importance of strengthening extension systems to meet the evolving needs of farmers.

6. A major highlight of the event was a presentation by the CEO of Extension Africa, Yahaya Tajuddeen, on an AI-enabled digital advisory platform designed to provide real-time, location-specific guidance to farmers. The platform is expected to enhance decision-making, increase resilience to climate variability, and support higher yields.

7. Goodwill messages from representatives of the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS), the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), and the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) underscored the importance of collaboration among research institutions, extension providers and development partners. They commended Kaduna State for its forward-looking approach and expressed optimism about the initiative’s impact on agricultural development.

8. The event marks a new phase in Kaduna’s efforts to harness innovation and partnerships in building a more responsive and effective agricultural extension system.

Signed:
Information and Public Relations Unit,
KADA

Did You Know? Kaduna State Feeds the Nation!

1. From being a powerhouse in maize production to exporting world-class ginger, Kaduna State stands tall as a key driver of Nigeria’s agricultural growth.

2. With thriving rice fields, strong livestock systems, and year-round farming through irrigation, smallholder farmers continue to power food security and economic prosperity.

3. These have been achieved through the efforts of the Kaduna State Government under the exceptional leadership of His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, through key interventions such as:

-Free fertilizer distribution reached 120,000 smallholder farmers in 2024 and 100,000 in 2025, positioning Kaduna as the only state in Nigeria delivering agricultural support at this scale.

-Provision of modern irrigation farming machinery.

-Livestock Development Support programme.

4. The initiatives have not only sustained year-round farming but also increased productivity, improved the quality of farm outputs and enhanced the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

5. KADA, remains committed to support farmers, strengthening value chains and building a sustainable agricultural future for Kaduna State.

Eid-el-fitr Mubarak to Muslim Ummah

1. On behalf of the Management and Staff of Kaduna Agricultural Development Agency (KADA), I warmly felicitate with our Muslim staff, our esteem smallholder farmers, the good people of Kaduna State and the entire Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.

2. Eid-el-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan which was a time of sacrifice, devotion, and self-discipline. As we celebrate, I urge everyone to carry forward the lessons of patience, generosity and prayer, while continuing to seek Allah’s guidance for sustainable agricultural development and improved food security in our State and nation, despite the few challenges we face.

3. I sincerely commend the Kaduna State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, for his exceptional support to the agricultural sector through his sustainable agricultural transformation agenda. This visionary commitment continues to create opportunities, enhance productivity and improve the livelihoods of our farmers across the state.

4. As we celebrate, we must uphold the values of unity, compassion, and shared responsibility. May this festive period bring peace, prosperity and abundant blessings to our homes and our farms.

5. Looking ahead to a new agricultural season, I urge all stakeholders to remain committed to sustainable practices that will strengthen food security and drive economic growth for our dear state.

Eid Mubarak to you and your loved ones.

Mal. Muhammad RILI
General Manager
Kaduna State Agricultural Development Agency (KADA)

KADA Participates in Climate Finance Project Development Training

1. Earlier last week, KADA participated in a Technical Working Session on Climate Finance Project Development and Investment Readiness for Kaduna State, organized by the Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission in collaboration with PACE. The Agency was represented by the Deputy Director, Technical Services and Climate Change Desk Officer, Dauda S. Musa.

2. The session, held at Tahir Palace, Kano State, from Wednesday 4th to Friday 6th March 2026, brought together key stakeholders from Ministries, Departments and Agencies to strengthen the development of climate projects capable of attracting international climate funding, particularly from the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

3. During the meeting, participants identified three priority projects for Kaduna State. These include the Forest Carbon Credit Project led by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Solar Clean Energy Access Project led by the Kaduna Power Supply Company (KAPSCO) and the Biochar Agricultural Carbon Project jointly coordinated by KADA and the Ministry of Agriculture.

4. The projects are expected to support climate mitigation efforts, promote environmental sustainability and create opportunities for climate finance investment in the state.

5. Under the Biochar Agricultural Carbon Project, KADA will support farmers in selected communities through extension advisory services. The Agency will also sensitize farmers on biochar technology and monitor project implementation to ensure effective participation and measurable climate benefits.

Signed:
Information and Public Relations Unit,
KADA

KADA MEETS EMERAID CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTS LTD ON RISE PROJECT PROGRESS

1. The General Manager of the Kaduna State Agricultural Development Agency (KADA), Mal. Muhammad RILI received the RISE Project team led by Dr. Daniel of Emeraid Capital Management and Consults Ltd in Kaduna for a strategic engagement on the next phase of project implementation.

2. Discussions focused on the Community Entry Activities scheduled for 9th–13th February 2026, following earlier stakeholder engagements and the formal launch of the RISE Project in Abuja on 22nd January 2026.

3. The meeting outlined plans to engage stakeholders at state, LGA and community levels, including traditional and religious leaders, farmer cooperatives, women, youth and agribusiness actors, while setting the stage for farmers profiling, capacity building and market systems interventions.

4. KADA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the RISE Project, which targets 4,000 farmers across Lere, Igabi and Jemaa LGAs, focusing on rice, maize, soybean and groundnut, in line with the value chain development agenda of His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani.

Signed:
Information and Public Relations Unit,
KADA

MODAK Pays Courtesy Visit to KADA, Seeks Collaboration on Agricultural Transformation

1. Earlier on Tuesday, the General Manager, Malam Muhammad Rili received a delegation from Motor Dealers Association of Kaduna State (MODAK) on a courtesy visit at the Agency’s headquarters to explore areas of collaboration.

2. The delegation, led by the Association's Chairman, Ambassador Aminu Ibrahim Dankakalo, stated that beyond automobile trade, MODAK members also engaged in farming and agricultural investment with collective cultivation of over 200,000 hectares of farmland and provide jobs for thousands of youths through farming activities.

3. Ambassador Dankakalo emphasized MODAK’s commitment to support food security, value-chain development and youth employment, adding that alignment with government programmes would boost productivity and advance the state’s agricultural goals.

4. In his response, Malam RILI commended the association’s leadership for its foresight and commitment to agriculture, describing its dual role as investors and farmers as a strong foundation for effective partnership. He stressed that private sector participation remains critical to the success of the agricultural transformation drive.

5. He assured them KADA’s readiness to collaborate in areas such as farmer support services, extension delivery and value-chain development, adding that the Agency will work with credible stakeholders aligned with government priorities to boost productivity, create jobs and improve rural livelihoods in line with Governor Senator Uba Sani’s Rural and Agricultural Transformation Agenda.

Signed:
Information and Public Relations Unit,
KADA

KADA Holds 35th Management Review Meeting, First for 2026

1. Yesterday, the Kaduna Agricultural Development Agency (KADA) has convened its 35th Management Review Meeting (MRM)-the first management meeting of the Agency for the year 2026-at its headquarters.

2. The meeting was presided over by the General Manager, Malam Muhammad Rili , and was attended by senior management staff and Zonal Managers.

3. In his opening remarks, the General Manager commended the management team for their dedication and commitment throughout 2025, noting that their conduct and performance have contributed significantly to strengthening public confidence in KADA. He emphasized the importance of accountability, sincerity and professionalism, describing staff as ambassadors of the Agency. He further urged Heads of Departments, Units and Zonal Managers to uphold punctuality, discipline, and efficiency in service delivery as the Agency commences the 2026 work year.

4. The meeting reviewed resolutions and key observations from the recently concluded 1st Administrative Meeting, alongside annual departmental and zonal work plans, to ensure strategic alignment with KADA’s mandate and effective inter-departmental coordination.

5. Management also deliberated on implementation modalities for the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP) 2025/2026 dry season programme. The initiative, supported by the Bank of Agriculture in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, aims to enhance food security through improved access to agricultural inputs and services. The programme aligns with Governor Senator Uba Sani’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda, particularly in strengthening rural livelihoods and agricultural value chains across Kaduna State.

5. In his closing remarks, the General Manager appreciated the cooperation and constructive engagement of participants and reiterated the need for collective commitment, timely programme ex*****on, and sustained performance in advancing the Agency’s objectives.

Signed:
Information and Public Relations Unit
KADA

AGRA and Partners Brief KADA on Maize and Soybean Value Chain Initiative

1. Earlier today, the General Manager, Mal. Muhammad Rili received a delegation of development partners working with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) on a courtesy visit to the Agency’s headquarters.

2. The delegation, led by AGRA Programme Officer, Dr. Esther Ibrahim, briefed the Agency on field progress and recent engagements under its initiative designed to strengthen maize and soybean value chains through improved productivity, innovation, farmer education and sustainable market linkages.

3. The initiative targets 100,000 smallholder farmers across Kaduna and Niger States, with 40,000 and 60,000 beneficiaries in Niger and Kaduna state respectively. In Kaduna, the programme will cover 12 selected Local Government Areas, enrolling 5,000 farmers per LGA, with priority given to youth, women, and new entrants into farming.

4. The programme also will incorporate digitisation through a warehouse receipt system to enhance storage, market access and transparency. It is expected to generate indirect employment opportunities, improve farmer competitiveness in maize and soybean production and advance the objectives of Governor Senator Uba Sani’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda, particularly in strengthening food security and agricultural value chains across the state.

5. In his remarks, Malam RILI described the intervention as timely and strategic, noting its alignment with KADA’s mandate to drive inclusive agricultural development. He assured the team of the Agency’s full cooperation to ensure effective implementation and measurable impact across the state. He further stressed the commitment of the agency in advancing and ensuring the sustainability of the project

Signed:
Information and Public Relations Unit,
KADA

AFTDAN Seeks Collaboration with KADA to Boost Agricultural Productivity

1. Earlier today, the General Manager, Malam Muhammad Rili received a delegation from the Agricultural Farmers and Traders Development Association of Nigeria (AFTDAN), Kaduna State Chapter, on a courtesy visit to the agency’s headquarters.

2. The delegation, led by the State Coordinator, Tanko S. Fada, visited the agency to explore areas of collaboration aimed at boosting agricultural productivity through access to improved seeds, ginger seedlings and irrigation farming.

3. Fada commended the leadership of KADA under Malam RILI for its sustained support to smallholder farmers, noting that such interventions are critical to improve agricultural output and livelihoods in the state.

4. In his response, Malam RILI appreciated the delegation for acknowledging the agency’s efforts and restated its continued commitment to advance agricultural activities in the state. He highlighted the support of the Kaduna State Government under the leadership of Governor Senator Uba Sani, stressing that agriculture remains a key pillar of the administration’s development agenda.

5. The General Manager further emphasized the role of organised farmer and trader associations in shaping policies that could stabilise food prices and reduce the cost of agricultural inputs. He assured the delegation of the agency’s readiness to collaborate with AFTDAN to improve access to quality inputs and strengthen farmer support systems across the state.

Signed: Information and Public Relations Unit,
KADA

HAPPY NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER, KADUNA AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (KADA)

1. I warmly on behalf of our management extend my heartfelt New Year greetings to all our smallholder farmers, dedicated staff, management team, as well as our friends and families.
As we step into 2026, I wish us all a year filled with productivity, progress, and prosperity. May this new year be richly graced with food security, agricultural growth, stability, and sustainable livelihoods for our farming communities.

2. May the choices and decisions we made in 2025 be strengthened, refined, and improved upon in 2026, guiding us toward greater impact and success. Together, let us remain committed to innovation, resilience, and collaboration as we work toward a stronger and more food-secure future under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, the Governor Senator Uba Sani.

I wish you all a peaceful, fruitful, and rewarding New Year. Happy New Year 2026!

Mal. Muhammad Rili
General Manager,
Kaduna State Agricultural Development Agency (KADA)