Muhammad Alabira Nabordo
Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has welcomed international delegations to discuss the state’s agricultural transformation agenda.
Namadi has embarked on a mission to transform the state’s agricultural sector by seeking partnerships with international investors.
This was contained in a release by Hamisu Muhammad Gumel, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor which was made available to Nigerian Times Online on Thursday.
Gumel said the high-level bilateral meeting was held recently at the Hilton Hotel in Abuja, bringing together top investors and stakeholders in agricultural development.
Adding that the meeting which was attended by the representatives from SINOMACH, China CAMC Engineering Company Ltd, YTO Group Corporation, and Agra Consortium Ltd, aimed at reviewing progress and forge strategic partnerships.
He however said some of the key initiatives and investments highlighted by Governor Namadi include agricultural Potential.
He explained that 80% of Jigawa’s 2.47 million hectares is arable land, with 242 water bodies and the Maigatari Livestock Market, the largest in Africa.
According to Gumel that the Governor said the formation of the Jigawa Farm Mechanization Company, with ₦900 million was spent on imported agricultural equipment.
He said 60 service centers were created across all state constituencies.
“720 equipment operators recruited and trained, supported by 30 technicians trained in China.
“Establishment of the Jigawa Agricultural Transformation Agency to spearhead sustainable practices, farmer mobilization, and demand-driven innovation,” Namadi stressed.
“The state’s commitment to modernizing the agricultural sector, ensuring sustainable improvements in productivity, profitability, and competitiveness.
“This initiative is part of the state’s broader Agricultural Transformation Agenda,” he said.
However, the highlight of the meeting is provide a platform for the Jigawa State Government to showcase its Legacy Agricultural Projects Investment Prospectus, outlining initiatives aimed at repositioning Jigawa as a leading hub for agribusiness and agro-industrialization in Nigeria.
The key Initiatives and Partnerships include establishment of an Organic Fertilizer Plant in the state, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, YTO Tractor Assembly Plant, accelerating mechanization and industrial development.
Others include unlocking 6,000 hectares of irrigable land in the Hadejia wetlands for dry-season farming, integrated Halal Products Hub as well as a modern slaughterhouse with a 2,500-animal daily capacity.
It also involve the commodity exchange and Warehouse Receipts system, and enhance market access and food systems respectively.
To this end, Jigawa State Government has also partnered with AGRA Consortium Limited to establish farm mechanization service centers and maintenance facilities, boosting crop yields and efficiency through modern tractors and machinery.
In addition to this, 30 engineering graduates were sent to China for specialized training in agricultural mechanization, marking a significant step towards transforming the state’s agricultural sector.
