Jigawa Kick-Starts Irrigation Farming In Maigatari
The Jigawa State government has finalized plans to initiate dry-season farming in Maigatari and other Sahel areas. Governor Umar Namadi, following his recent business trip to Saudi Arabia, announced that foreign partners are ready to support this initiative. According to Hajiya Zainab Rabo Ringim, the governor’s Special Assistant on Media Affairs, the goal is to enhance food self-sufficiency. The governor’s spokesperson mentioned that mini dams will be established in target areas to enable year-round farming.
She explained that proposals include introducing irrigation services by providing mini dams and boreholes to boost dry season farming. Additionally, efforts are underway to upgrade and expand local markets, particularly the Maigatari Market, known for its large cattle and animal trade in West Africa.
Details of the meetings include requests for grants and non-interest loan facilities. Governor Namadi also discussed plans to revitalize the Maigatari Export Free Zone, aiming to enhance packaging standards for local agricultural products, improve the value chain, and secure market guarantees for traders and exporters. Located near the Nigeria/Niger border, the Maigatari Free Trade Zone is a vital economic asset, expected to increase foreign earnings and support the state’s ambitious economic development agenda.
Source: Daily Trust
OUR REVIEW
The Jigawa State government’s plans to initiate dry season farming in Maigatari and other Sahel areas mark a significant step in bolstering the agri-food value chain. Governor Umar Namadi, following a productive trip to Saudi Arabia, secured foreign partnerships to support this initiative. The construction of mini dams and boreholes for irrigation will enable year-round farming, enhance food self-sufficiency, and reduce dependency on seasonal rains.
Efforts to upgrade and expand local markets, such as the Maigatari market, are crucial for increasing trade efficiency and market access, especially for the region’s significant cattle and animal trade. Additionally, revitalizing the Maigatari Export Free Zone is poised to enhance packaging standards and the overall value chain, ensuring better market guarantees for traders and exporters. This zone, located near the Nigeria/Niger border, is a vital economic asset that will expand foreign earnings and support Jigawa’s economic development as outlined in the governor’s 12-point agenda.
These strategic initiatives can foster growth by improving agricultural productivity, creating market opportunities, and attracting foreign investment, ultimately leading to a more robust and sustainable agri-food sector.
