NSMoA

Today is *World Nutrition Day* 🌱

Good nutrition isn’t a luxury, it’s the foundation of a healthy, strong life.

From whole grains and fresh fruits to proteins and vegetables, every balanced meal is a step toward better health for you and your family.

Let’s make a mindful food choice today and every day.

What’s on your healthy plate today? 👇

The Agricultural Sector Coordination Meeting,🌾🤝

The Niger State Ministry of Agriculture with support from AGRA successfully convened the 2026 1st Quarter Agricultural Sector Coordination Meeting at the Ministry’s Conference Hall, Minna.

The meeting brought together stakeholders across the agricultural sector to strengthen collaboration, promote knowledge sharing, and discuss strategic approaches towards sustainable agricultural development in Niger State.

Participants deliberated on stakeholder reports, emerging sector challenges, and preparations for the successful implementation of 2026 agricultural activities and programmes in the State.

The Ministry remains committed to fostering synergy among stakeholders to enhance food security, agricultural productivity, and inclusive sector growth.

The Niger State Government, officially flagged off the 2026 Farming Season in a landmark ceremony held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna.

The event was flagged-off by Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and graced by numerous dignitaries including Ministers, national leaders of All Progressive Congress (APC), members of the executive councils and Agricultural stakeholders.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the distribution of:

- 250 tractors
- 50 combine harvesters
- 150,000 bags of fertilizer
- 1500 implements including Planters, Sprayers, Ploughs and Harrows across the 25 LGAs in the State.

This bold intervention underscores the State Government’s commitment to transforming agriculture, boosting productivity, and ensuring food security across Niger State.

Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient agricultural sector.

NIGER STATE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIPS TO BOOST FOOD SECURITY 🌾

As part of our commitment to agricultural transformation, the Niger State Ministry of Agriculture, led by Hon. Commissioner Isah Sidi Rijau and Permanent Secretary Dr. Mathew Ahmed, recently visited key agricultural institutions in Bida LGA.

Highlights from our strategic tour:

1. NCRI – National Cereals Research Institute
ED Dr. M. N. Ishaq received us and showcased NCRI’s latest breakthrough: zinc-biofortified rice varieties. These improved varieties are high-yielding and packed with essential micronutrients to fight malnutrition.
Dr. Ishaq called for stronger collaboration in:
- Extension linkages & farmer capacity building
- Provision of tractors & modern farm machinery
- Improved irrigation for year-round farming
- Funding for seed multiplication & dissemination

NCRI reaffirmed its commitment to bridge the gap between research and real farms. Hon. Commissioner Rijau assured NCRI of the Ministry’s readiness for productive partnership.

2. Onyx Rice Mill
We toured the production and processing units, observing modern techniques and strict quality control systems that guarantee top-grade rice for consumers.

3. NIFOR – Shea Tree Research Sub-Station, Bida
We inspected nursery sections housing improved oil palm and shea tree varieties.

4. Greenhouse Facility, Bida
Active preparations are underway for transplanting Habanero pepper and Plum tomato seedlings. This shows growing momentum for controlled environment agriculture in Niger State.

Why this matters:
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mathew Ahmed emphasized that these partnerships will directly enhance capacity building and benefit smallholder farmers, especially in rice, sugarcane, soybean, and other essential crops.

Together, we are turning research into results and innovation into impact for every farmer across the value chain.



-FoodSystems

Driving Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture in Nigeria!🌾

The Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Abdullahi Sabi Abdullahi, alongside the Farmer Commissioner, Niger State Ministry of Agriculture, Isah Sidi Rijau, graced the Zinc-Biofortified Rice Foundation Seed Production Field Day (FARO 71 & FARO 72) held at Sosa Community, Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State.

The event, organized by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with the National Cereals Research Institute, HarvestPlus Nigeria, and AGRA, showcased efforts to scale up zinc-biofortified rice production to combat micronutrient deficiencies and enhance food security.

Together, we are promoting healthier diets and stronger agricultural systems.

Strengthening Food Systems through Field Engagement in Niger State

Our Management Staff alongside the AGRA Team recently embarked on a strategic field visit to key agricultural project sites across Niger State.

📍 Chanchaga Irrigation Scheme
📍 Poultry Production Unit (PPU)
📍 Lapai-Gwari Fish Cluster

The visit provided first-hand insights into ongoing agricultural activities, production performance, and critical challenges faced by farmers and facility managers.

✅ Key Highlights:
Dry season rice and improved okra production boosting food supply.
✅ Poultry unit with strong potential for revenue generation despite infrastructure challenges
✅ Lapai-Gwari Fish Cluster contributing significantly to fish production in the state.

Despite the challenges, the resilience of farmers and the potential for growth remain strong. Strategic investments and partnerships will be key to unlocking sustainable agricultural transformation.

We are excited to explore partnership opportunities and collaborations! Let's connect and drive impact together.

Strengthening Agricultural Policy Implementation for Impact in Niger State!

We have successfully concluded a two-day training on Advocacy Techniques for Agricultural Policy Implementation, marking a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance agriculture in Niger State.

The training led to the establishment of a multi-stakeholder Advocacy Group, comprising government, civil society, private sector actors, and farmer organizations, to champion:
✅ Evidence-based policy advocacy
✅ Improved agricultural investments
✅ Stronger accountability in policy implementation
✅ Inclusion of women, youth, and farmers in decision-making

Participants were equipped with techniques and tools on stakeholder
engagement, policy analysis, and advocacy strategy development, laying the foundation for sustainable agricultural transformation.

Together, we are developing a system where policy translates into tangible impact for farmers and communities.