By Engr Ibrahim Ismail
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s decision to officially launch the 2026 Wet Farming Season in Kwaya Kusar Local Government Area was not merely ceremonial, it was a strategic and well-calculated decision that reflects the agricultural significance of the area and the state’s broader vision for sustainable food security.
Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy in Southern Borno, and Kwaya Kusar occupies a unique position within this agricultural landscape. Blessed with fertile arable land, favourable climatic conditions, and a long-standing farming tradition, the Local Government Area has established itself as one of Borno State’s foremost food-producing regions. Selecting Kwaya Kusar as the venue for unveiling the state’s largest agricultural support programme therefore sends a strong message that agricultural development should begin where production potential is greatest.
Beyond its farming capacity, Kwaya Kusar serves as a strategic gateway to Southern Borno. Sharing boundaries with Biu, Bayo, Shani and Hawul Local Government Areas, the council provides easy access to thousands of farming communities across the region. This central location enabled farmers, traditional leaders, government officials and other stakeholders from neighbouring local governments to participate in the historic event with relative ease, reinforcing regional collaboration in agricultural development.
The Local Government Area covers approximately 732 square kilometres and is home to an estimated population of about 100,000 people, the majority of whom depend directly or indirectly on agriculture for their livelihoods. This makes Kwaya Kusar an ideal location for launching interventions designed to increase productivity, improve rural incomes and strengthen food security.
Equally significant is Kwaya Kusar’s reputation as one of the leading agricultural markets in Southern Borno. Its weekly Saturday market is widely recognised as one of the largest grain and livestock markets in the region, attracting traders, farmers and buyers from across Southern Borno, neighbouring states, and even southern part of of Nigeria. The market plays a vital role in the agricultural value chain by providing a reliable outlet for farm produce and livestock while stimulating local commerce and economic growth.
Governor Zulum’s decision therefore aligns perfectly with his administration’s emphasis on developing the entire agricultural value chain from production to processing, storage and market access. Launching the programme in a community that already serves as a commercial hub for agricultural commodities reinforces the government’s commitment to strengthening rural economies and improving market efficiency.
The Executive Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, mni, FNSE, himself acknowledged this reality during the ceremony when he described Kwaya Kusar as “one of the most important agricultural hubs in our state.” That statement was not merely rhetorical; it reflected the strategic importance of the area in achieving Borno State’s agricultural transformation agenda.
The intervention itself which includes 200 truckloads of subsidised NPK fertiliser, free agrochemicals, certified seeds, water pumps, knapsack sprayers, bicycles, post-harvest storage facilities and support for over 120,000 farmers—represents one of the most comprehensive agricultural support programmes ever implemented in Borno State. Launching such an ambitious initiative from Kwaya Kusar demonstrates confidence in the area’s capacity to drive increased agricultural productivity across the state.
Furthermore, the Governor’s announcement of a ₦500 million cash support package for vulnerable persons, women and youths across Kwaya Kusar, Biu, Hawul, Shani and Bayo further highlights the strategic role of the Southern Borno axis in the state’s economic development agenda.
Ultimately, the choice of Kwaya Kusar goes beyond geographical convenience. It recognises the Local Government Area as a centre of agricultural excellence, a regional trading hub and a critical contributor to food production in Borno State. By placing Kwaya Kusar at the forefront of the 2026 farming season, Governor Zulum has reaffirmed the importance of investing in communities with proven agricultural potential while inspiring farmers across the state to increase production and contribute to the shared goal of achieving food security and sustainable economic growth.
As Borno continues its journey towards agricultural transformation, Kwaya Kusar’s selection will be remembered not simply as the venue for a flag-off ceremony, but as a powerful symbol of the state’s confidence in its farmers and its unwavering commitment to making agriculture the foundation of prosperity for present and future generations.