February 29, (THEWILL) – The Jigawa State Government says it has completed arrangements to kickstart dry season farming in Maigatari and other Sahel areas of the state.
Governor Umar Namadi, who disclosed this on the heels of his recent business trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said foreign partners are set for the final putsch.
A statement by his Senior Special Assistant, Media Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Rabo Ringim, made available to newsmen explained that the essence of the initiative was to boost self-sufficiency in food production.
Ringim said mini-dams would be provided in the affected areas to facilitate all-year-round farming.
“Some of the proposals bordered on the need to introduce irrigation services where there is none by providing mini-dams sporadically, boreholes to boost dry season farming,” she said.
She further stated that there are efforts to “upgrade and expand our local markets, especially Maigatari market, which harbours one of the largest cattle and animal businesses in the West African region.”
The SSA Media Affairs revealed that “details of the meeting, however, entail requests for grants and other non-interest loan facilities.”
On the Maigatari Export Free Zone, Malam Namadi was quoted to have revealed plans to reposition it to realise its potential.
He vowed to ensure standards in packaging local agricultural products to boost the value chain, and market guarantee for dealers and exporters.
The Maigatari Free Trade Zone, a key economic asset to Jigawa State holding huge economic opportunities, is located within the fringes of Nigeria/Niger borders.
He said the free zone will expand windows to increase its foreign earnings and support its ambitious economic development as captured in the twelve-point agenda of Malam Umar Namadi.
About the Author
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
