Investing in the Future: Empowering Young Farmers in Northwest Nigeria through the BIARN Initiative
This farming season marks a significant step towards bolstering food security in Nigeria’s North West geopolitical zone. Today, I’m excited to share details about the Barau Initiative for Agricultural Revolution in the North West (BIARN), a program designed to cultivate a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs. Our ambitious goal: to raise 558 young farmer millionaires who will revitalize the region’s agricultural landscape and contribute significantly to the nation’s food supply.
BIARN: A Catalyst for Agricultural Transformation
Under the BIARN initiative, we will select three driven young farmers from each of the 186 local government areas across the seven states comprising the North West: Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, and Zamfara. Each selected beneficiary will receive N5 million in crucial funding, allowing them to invest in their farming operations and maximize their yield potential this season.
This initiative is fully aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes achieving food security as a cornerstone of national progress. My Special Adviser on Policy and Monitoring, Professor Bashir Muhammad Fagge, emphasized this commitment while addressing the Senate Press Corps at the National Assembly in Abuja.
Reclaiming the North West’s Agricultural Legacy
Historically, the North West served as the country’s breadbasket, supplying agricultural products both domestically and to neighboring nations. Sadly, this prominent position has diminished over time. BIARN aims to reverse this trend, empowering young farmers to harness the vast arable land across the seven states and restore the region’s agricultural prominence.
Strategic Partnership for Success
The Barau I Jibrin Foundation (BIJF), my personal foundation, is proud to partner with a leading national financial institution to implement this transformative program. We’ve held extensive discussions with the institution’s management, and arrangements for the official launch, targeted for April this year, are nearing completion.
Distribution Across the North West:
The beneficiaries will be distributed across the states as follows:
• Kaduna: 69
• Kano: 132
• Kebbi: 63
• Katsina: 102
• Jigawa: 81
• Sokoto: 69
• Zamfara: 42
Focus on Key Crops: Maize and Rice
This initiative will prioritize the cultivation of maize and rice, two essential crops for Nigerian households. By providing targeted support and guidance, we aim to boost the yield of these crops, reduce the cost of food, and enhance food security throughout the zone and the nation.
Empowering Youth, Ensuring Food Security
In 2023, Nigeria’s paddy rice production reached 8.9 million metric tons, the highest in over a decade. However, with a growing population, this quantity remains insufficient. BIARN addresses this challenge by empowering young people with agricultural backgrounds, fostering a revolution in agricultural production in the North West.
The BIARN program represents a significant investment in the future of Nigerian agriculture. By empowering young farmers with the resources and support they need, we can unlock the region’s agricultural potential, secure the nation’s food supply, and create a more prosperous future for all. I urge you to support this initiative, understanding that food security is fundamental to solving many of the challenges facing our country.
wait for the recruitment link soon.
Link: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/02/barau-commits-n2-79bn-to-agricultural-revolution-in-northwest/Â
