From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
The Jigawa state Governor Malam Umar A Namadi has promised to achieve the target of 500,000 hectares rice production by 2030.
In a statement signed by Senior Special Adviser to the Jigawa state governor, Hajiya Zainab Rabo, said, Governor Namadi announced the development shortly after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a consortium of investors on 100,000 hectares of land for Alfalfa production Project in government house Dutse.
He described Agriculture as an economic backbone of the state, said About 90% of our population depends on it for their livelihood, and it contributes more than 50% of our GDP. Any serious government that genuinely aims to uplift its people should prioritize agriculture.
“We are number one in wheat production, and this year alone, we cultivated 315,000 hectares of rice. Our plan to achieve 500,000 hectares by 2030 is fully on track.”
Governor Namadi who committed 100,000 hectares of land during the signing of the MoU , reiterated Jigawa’s total commitment to agriculture and livestock development, describing agriculture as the backbone of the state’s economy.
“Livestock is synonymous with agriculture. That is why we deliberately created the Ministry for Livestock this year. Jigawa is home to the largest livestock market in Africa—the Maigatari market—and this project will further strengthen our leadership.”
The governor expressed strong confidence in the new partnership, saying that the successful alfalfa pilot project by Matura Farm has already demonstrated exceptional global potential.
“When Matura Farm started, many people doubted it was possible. Today, he is producing some of the highest-quality alfalfa in the world.”
he said.
He assured the investors of the state’s readiness to provide the full 100,000 hectares required for the project.
“The project is targeting 100,000 hectares. I want to assure you that we will make all of that available over time.”
Governor Namadi emphasized Jigawa’s peaceful environment and investor-friendly framework as its major advantages.
While delivering his speech, the leader of the delegation and also NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa stated that the project aligns directly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s priority agenda on food security and expanded agricultural production, confirming that the initiative will take off immediately.
“Priority number two of the President’s agenda focuses on boosting agriculture to achieve food security. The investment-friendly climate in Jigawa is one of the key reasons we are bringing this project here.”
Providing technical insight, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Professor Salim Mohammed, described alfalfa as a transformative high-protein forage crop capable of boosting livestock productivity, generating mass employment, and expanding export revenues.
“On 1,000 hectares alone, over 150 youths are employed before cultivation begins—and many more will participate through planting, irrigation, harvesting, processing, and marketing.”
Mr Kashifu introduced delegation team to the governor comprising the Managing Director of NEXIM Bank, Mr. Abubakar Abba Bello; the Managing Director of MOFI, Dr. Armstrong Takang; the Managing Director of Jaiz Bank, Mr. Haruna Musa; and several private-sector partners such as Capemano, Alami Capital, EL-Meena Farms, and Matura Farm, as well as representatives of NSIA and other key institutions.
