The Jigawa State Government has announced an ambitious plan to boost agricultural productivity, targeting up to 10 tons per hectare through mechanized and irrigation-based farming.
Governor Malam Umar Namadi revealed this during a courtesy visit by a delegation from Al-Yaseen Agricultural Company of Saudi Arabia at the Government House, Dutse.
He emphasized that agriculture remains the backbone of the state’s economy, employing nearly 90% of its population and contributing 46% to its GDP.
Governor Namadi said the state has made significant progress, raising crop yields from 2.5 to 4.5 tons per hectare, and expressed confidence that with international collaboration, yields could reach 8 to 10 tons per hectare.
He highlighted key efforts already underway, including the expansion of irrigation, improved seed distribution, training for farmers, and the deployment of over 1,700 extension workers.
The governor also noted that 10 major dams are currently being revamped to open up thousands of hectares of land for cultivation, especially in the Hadejia valley area with over 18,000 hectares still untapped.
He pointed out the state’s advantage in water accessibility, stating that even in desert areas, water is reachable at just 70 to 80 meters underground.
Leader of the visiting team, Dr. Shu’aibu Abubakar, commended Jigawa for its proactive agricultural initiatives, describing them as unmatched in Nigeria.
He praised the state government’s support to farmers, noting that during their field visits, they witnessed first-hand the positive impact of timely interventions and consistent backing from authorities.
Dr. Abubakar assured the governor of Al-Yaseen’s commitment to supporting Jigawa’s mechanization efforts and helping to actualize its vision for agricultural transformation.
Rel/Usman MZ
