AGRICULTURE VISION
Transforming Agriculture into a Modern, Productive and Profitable Engine of Economic Growth
Our vision for agriculture is to transform Gombe State from predominantly subsistence farming into a modern, commercial and technology-driven agricultural economy that increases food production, creates jobs, improves farmers' incomes, strengthens food security and positions the State as a major producer and processor of agricultural commodities.
We recognise that agriculture is one of the greatest economic opportunities available to Gombe State. Our administration will therefore support farmers across the entire agricultural value chain, from land preparation and production to storage, processing, transportation, marketing and export.
AGRICULTURAL MECHANISATION
We will promote large-scale agricultural mechanisation to reduce dependence on traditional farming methods and increase productivity.
Government will facilitate access to tractors, harvesters, planters, threshers, irrigation equipment and other modern farming machinery through affordable hiring schemes, cooperatives and partnerships with private-sector operators.
Mechanisation centres will be strategically established across agricultural communities, allowing smallholder farmers to access equipment without having to purchase expensive machinery individually.
EXPANSION OF IRRIGATION
We will expand irrigation infrastructure to reduce dependence on rainfall and enable farmers to cultivate crops throughout the year.
Existing irrigation schemes will be rehabilitated while new irrigation projects will be developed in areas with suitable water resources and agricultural potential.
Farmers will be trained in efficient water management, modern irrigation techniques and climate-smart agricultural practices to ensure sustainable use of water resources.
FERTILIZER AND AGRICULTURAL INPUTS
We will establish modern fertilizer blending centres to improve the availability and affordability of fertiliser suited to the soil and crops of different parts of Gombe State.
The centres will support the production and distribution of appropriately formulated fertilisers while reducing dependence on long-distance supply chains.
We will also strengthen systems for providing farmers with improved seeds, pesticides and other essential agricultural inputs through transparent and efficient distribution mechanisms.
IMPROVED SEEDLINGS AND FARMING TECHNOLOGY
We will promote the use of improved, high-yielding and climate-resilient crop varieties.
Farmers will receive training and extension support on modern production techniques, soil management, pest control, efficient water use and climate-smart agriculture.
Demonstration farms will be established to allow farmers to observe improved farming methods and technologies before adopting them on a larger scale.
AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES
We will strengthen agricultural extension services to ensure that farmers have direct access to professional advice.
Extension officers will work closely with farming communities to provide practical guidance on crop production, livestock management, pest control, soil fertility, irrigation, harvesting and post-harvest handling.
Digital platforms will also be explored to provide farmers with information on weather, market prices, farming techniques and agricultural opportunities.
COMMODITY AGGREGATION CENTRES
We will establish commodity aggregation centres in strategic agricultural locations where farmers can bring their produce for weighing, grading, sorting, packaging and marketing.
These centres will help farmers access larger markets and reduce exploitation caused by fragmented and uncoordinated marketing systems.
Farmers' cooperatives will be encouraged to aggregate their produce and negotiate better prices with processors, wholesalers and institutional buyers.
MODERN STORAGE FACILITIES
We will invest in modern storage infrastructure, including warehouses, silos, cold storage and other appropriate facilities based on the type of agricultural commodity.
Storage facilities will be strategically located close to major production areas and aggregation centres.
The objective will be to allow farmers to store their produce safely and sell when market conditions are favourable rather than being forced to sell immediately after harvest at low prices.
REDUCING POST-HARVEST LOSSES
We will introduce programmes to reduce losses occurring between harvesting and final consumption.
Farmers will receive training in improved harvesting, drying, handling, packaging and storage techniques.
Modern processing and storage facilities will be developed to preserve agricultural products and extend their shelf life.
Reducing post-harvest losses will increase the amount of food available for consumption and improve farmers' income without necessarily requiring a proportional increase in cultivated land.
AGRO-PROCESSING AND VALUE ADDITION
Our agricultural policy will move beyond producing raw commodities to processing them into higher-value products.
We will promote the establishment of agro-processing industries for crops and livestock products produced within Gombe State.
Investment opportunities will be created in areas such as rice milling, groundnut processing, sesame processing, tomato processing, oil extraction, animal feed production, dairy processing, meat processing and other relevant industries.
Government will provide an enabling environment for private investors through appropriate infrastructure, land access, incentives and streamlined regulatory processes.
LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT
We will strengthen livestock production as an important component of the agricultural economy.
Programmes will support improved breeds, animal healthcare, veterinary services, feed production, water availability and modern livestock management practices.
We will promote commercial livestock production, dairy development, poultry farming, fisheries and other animal-related enterprises.
The development of livestock value chains will also create opportunities in animal feed production, processing, transportation, marketing and other related businesses.
AGRICULTURAL INSURANCE
We will promote agricultural insurance programmes that protect farmers against losses resulting from drought, floods, pests, diseases and other agricultural risks.
Farmers will be educated on the benefits of agricultural insurance, while government will explore partnerships with insurance companies and relevant financial institutions to develop affordable products suitable for smallholder farmers.
This will encourage farmers to invest more confidently in modern farming practices and technologies.
AGRICULTURAL FINANCING
We will improve farmers' access to affordable financing through cooperatives, microfinance institutions, development finance programmes and private-sector partnerships.
Agricultural financing will be structured around viable production and business plans, with appropriate support for farmers and agricultural enterprises.
Special attention will be given to young people and women participating in agriculture and agribusiness.
AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES
We will strengthen farmers' cooperatives as platforms for accessing inputs, machinery, finance, training and markets.
Well-organised cooperatives will enable smallholder farmers to benefit from economies of scale and participate more effectively in commercial agriculture.
Cooperatives will also facilitate collective storage, aggregation, processing and marketing of agricultural products.
YOUTH AND WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE
Young people will be encouraged to view agriculture as a modern business and a profitable career rather than merely subsistence activity.
Youth agricultural programmes will provide access to land, training, technology, financing, machinery and markets.
Women farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs will receive targeted support to increase their participation across agricultural value chains.
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
We will strengthen collaboration between farmers, research institutions, universities and agricultural development organisations.
Research will focus on improving yields, developing climate-resilient crops, reducing pests and diseases, improving livestock productivity and developing better processing and storage technologies.
Technology will increasingly be used to provide farmers with market information, weather alerts, extension services and access to agricultural finance.
MARKET ACCESS AND AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS
We will develop stronger connections between farmers and domestic, regional and international markets.
Government will support quality standards, packaging, grading and certification to enable agricultural products from Gombe State to compete in wider markets.
We will identify commodities with strong commercial and export potential and develop targeted value chains around them.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURE
Implementation will begin with a comprehensive agricultural assessment to identify major crops, livestock resources, farming communities, irrigation potential, production volumes, infrastructure gaps, storage needs and market opportunities across the State.
The findings will guide the development of an Agricultural Transformation Master Plan with clear priorities, investment requirements, implementation timelines and measurable targets.
Early interventions will focus on urgent needs such as agricultural inputs, mechanisation, irrigation rehabilitation, extension services and storage.
Subsequent phases will expand commodity aggregation, agro-processing, livestock development, agricultural financing and market access.
Progress will be continuously monitored to determine which programmes are producing the greatest impact and to ensure that public resources are directed towards productive agricultural investments.
OUR COMMITMENT
Our ultimate objective is to make agriculture a profitable and attractive economic sector capable of feeding our people, creating employment, increasing household incomes and generating sustainable economic growth.
We envision a Gombe State where farmers have access to modern machinery, improved seeds, irrigation, affordable inputs, finance, insurance, storage and reliable markets; where agricultural products are processed locally rather than exported in raw form; and where farmers and agribusinesses are integrated into profitable value chains.
Transforming Agriculture into a Modern, Productive and Profitable Engine of Economic Growth
Our vision for agriculture is to transform Gombe State from predominantly subsistence farming into a modern, commercial and technology-driven agricultural economy that increases food production, creates jobs, improves farmers' incomes, strengthens food security and positions the State as a major producer and processor of agricultural commodities.
We recognise that agriculture is one of the greatest economic opportunities available to Gombe State. Our administration will therefore support farmers across the entire agricultural value chain, from land preparation and production to storage, processing, transportation, marketing and export.
AGRICULTURAL MECHANISATION
We will promote large-scale agricultural mechanisation to reduce dependence on traditional farming methods and increase productivity.
Government will facilitate access to tractors, harvesters, planters, threshers, irrigation equipment and other modern farming machinery through affordable hiring schemes, cooperatives and partnerships with private-sector operators.
Mechanisation centres will be strategically established across agricultural communities, allowing smallholder farmers to access equipment without having to purchase expensive machinery individually.
EXPANSION OF IRRIGATION
We will expand irrigation infrastructure to reduce dependence on rainfall and enable farmers to cultivate crops throughout the year.
Existing irrigation schemes will be rehabilitated while new irrigation projects will be developed in areas with suitable water resources and agricultural potential.
Farmers will be trained in efficient water management, modern irrigation techniques and climate-smart agricultural practices to ensure sustainable use of water resources.
FERTILIZER AND AGRICULTURAL INPUTS
We will establish modern fertilizer blending centres to improve the availability and affordability of fertiliser suited to the soil and crops of different parts of Gombe State.
The centres will support the production and distribution of appropriately formulated fertilisers while reducing dependence on long-distance supply chains.
We will also strengthen systems for providing farmers with improved seeds, pesticides and other essential agricultural inputs through transparent and efficient distribution mechanisms.
IMPROVED SEEDLINGS AND FARMING TECHNOLOGY
We will promote the use of improved, high-yielding and climate-resilient crop varieties.
Farmers will receive training and extension support on modern production techniques, soil management, pest control, efficient water use and climate-smart agriculture.
Demonstration farms will be established to allow farmers to observe improved farming methods and technologies before adopting them on a larger scale.
AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES
We will strengthen agricultural extension services to ensure that farmers have direct access to professional advice.
Extension officers will work closely with farming communities to provide practical guidance on crop production, livestock management, pest control, soil fertility, irrigation, harvesting and post-harvest handling.
Digital platforms will also be explored to provide farmers with information on weather, market prices, farming techniques and agricultural opportunities.
COMMODITY AGGREGATION CENTRES
We will establish commodity aggregation centres in strategic agricultural locations where farmers can bring their produce for weighing, grading, sorting, packaging and marketing.
These centres will help farmers access larger markets and reduce exploitation caused by fragmented and uncoordinated marketing systems.
Farmers' cooperatives will be encouraged to aggregate their produce and negotiate better prices with processors, wholesalers and institutional buyers.
MODERN STORAGE FACILITIES
We will invest in modern storage infrastructure, including warehouses, silos, cold storage and other appropriate facilities based on the type of agricultural commodity.
Storage facilities will be strategically located close to major production areas and aggregation centres.
The objective will be to allow farmers to store their produce safely and sell when market conditions are favourable rather than being forced to sell immediately after harvest at low prices.
REDUCING POST-HARVEST LOSSES
We will introduce programmes to reduce losses occurring between harvesting and final consumption.
Farmers will receive training in improved harvesting, drying, handling, packaging and storage techniques.
Modern processing and storage facilities will be developed to preserve agricultural products and extend their shelf life.
Reducing post-harvest losses will increase the amount of food available for consumption and improve farmers' income without necessarily requiring a proportional increase in cultivated land.
AGRO-PROCESSING AND VALUE ADDITION
Our agricultural policy will move beyond producing raw commodities to processing them into higher-value products.
We will promote the establishment of agro-processing industries for crops and livestock products produced within Gombe State.
Investment opportunities will be created in areas such as rice milling, groundnut processing, sesame processing, tomato processing, oil extraction, animal feed production, dairy processing, meat processing and other relevant industries.
Government will provide an enabling environment for private investors through appropriate infrastructure, land access, incentives and streamlined regulatory processes.
LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT
We will strengthen livestock production as an important component of the agricultural economy.
Programmes will support improved breeds, animal healthcare, veterinary services, feed production, water availability and modern livestock management practices.
We will promote commercial livestock production, dairy development, poultry farming, fisheries and other animal-related enterprises.
The development of livestock value chains will also create opportunities in animal feed production, processing, transportation, marketing and other related businesses.
AGRICULTURAL INSURANCE
We will promote agricultural insurance programmes that protect farmers against losses resulting from drought, floods, pests, diseases and other agricultural risks.
Farmers will be educated on the benefits of agricultural insurance, while government will explore partnerships with insurance companies and relevant financial institutions to develop affordable products suitable for smallholder farmers.
This will encourage farmers to invest more confidently in modern farming practices and technologies.
AGRICULTURAL FINANCING
We will improve farmers' access to affordable financing through cooperatives, microfinance institutions, development finance programmes and private-sector partnerships.
Agricultural financing will be structured around viable production and business plans, with appropriate support for farmers and agricultural enterprises.
Special attention will be given to young people and women participating in agriculture and agribusiness.
AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES
We will strengthen farmers' cooperatives as platforms for accessing inputs, machinery, finance, training and markets.
Well-organised cooperatives will enable smallholder farmers to benefit from economies of scale and participate more effectively in commercial agriculture.
Cooperatives will also facilitate collective storage, aggregation, processing and marketing of agricultural products.
YOUTH AND WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE
Young people will be encouraged to view agriculture as a modern business and a profitable career rather than merely subsistence activity.
Youth agricultural programmes will provide access to land, training, technology, financing, machinery and markets.
Women farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs will receive targeted support to increase their participation across agricultural value chains.
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
We will strengthen collaboration between farmers, research institutions, universities and agricultural development organisations.
Research will focus on improving yields, developing climate-resilient crops, reducing pests and diseases, improving livestock productivity and developing better processing and storage technologies.
Technology will increasingly be used to provide farmers with market information, weather alerts, extension services and access to agricultural finance.
MARKET ACCESS AND AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS
We will develop stronger connections between farmers and domestic, regional and international markets.
Government will support quality standards, packaging, grading and certification to enable agricultural products from Gombe State to compete in wider markets.
We will identify commodities with strong commercial and export potential and develop targeted value chains around them.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURE
Implementation will begin with a comprehensive agricultural assessment to identify major crops, livestock resources, farming communities, irrigation potential, production volumes, infrastructure gaps, storage needs and market opportunities across the State.
The findings will guide the development of an Agricultural Transformation Master Plan with clear priorities, investment requirements, implementation timelines and measurable targets.
Early interventions will focus on urgent needs such as agricultural inputs, mechanisation, irrigation rehabilitation, extension services and storage.
Subsequent phases will expand commodity aggregation, agro-processing, livestock development, agricultural financing and market access.
Progress will be continuously monitored to determine which programmes are producing the greatest impact and to ensure that public resources are directed towards productive agricultural investments.
OUR COMMITMENT
Our ultimate objective is to make agriculture a profitable and attractive economic sector capable of feeding our people, creating employment, increasing household incomes and generating sustainable economic growth.
We envision a Gombe State where farmers have access to modern machinery, improved seeds, irrigation, affordable inputs, finance, insurance, storage and reliable markets; where agricultural products are processed locally rather than exported in raw form; and where farmers and agribusinesses are integrated into profitable value chains.