WACOT Limited, a member of TGI Group, has launched its 2026 Sesame Outgrower Programme in Jigawa State, targeting more than 10,000 smallholder farmers with access to financing, quality farm inputs, extension services and improved farming practices.
The programme is being implemented in partnership with the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) under the Renewed Hope Smallholder Support and Value Chain Programme.
The initiative commenced with the distribution of agricultural inputs to farmers in Medu village, Gagarawa Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
Since its establishment in 2018, the WACOT Sesame Outgrower Programme has grown from a pilot initiative into a major contract farming scheme supporting more than 10,000 farmers across eight local government areas in Jigawa State.
WACOT said it has disbursed more than N1 billion in input credit over the past seven years, providing farmers with certified seeds, fertilisers and crop protection products, alongside technical support through its Farmers Academy and extension services.
Under the partnership with BOA, participating farmers will receive input loans that will be repaid with farm produce at the end of the farming season.
The programme also provides extension services aimed at improving yields, product quality and the long-term sustainability of farmers’ operations.
Beyond sesame production, the partnership covers other agricultural value chains, including rice production in Kebbi State, as well as maize and soybean production in Katsina State.
WACOT said the programme also promotes the participation of women and young people in agriculture while encouraging farmers to adopt modern and climate-smart farming practices.
Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director of WACOT Limited, Naveen Chaurasia, said the company remained committed to building a sustainable agricultural ecosystem that benefits farmers while meeting the quality standards required by international markets.
Chaurasia said WACOT’s approach is guided by two priorities: maintaining the international quality standards expected by its customers and improving the livelihoods of farmers who participate across the value chain.
He noted that stronger farmer livelihoods would ultimately strengthen the wider agricultural ecosystem.
“When farmers succeed, everyone benefits, and we are proud to continue investing in that shared success,” he said.
The 2026 programme is expected to strengthen access to agricultural finance and inputs for smallholder farmers while supporting productivity, market access and the development of Nigeria’s sesame value chain.