By Salihu Ali,
The Jigawa State Government in North West Nigeria has sponsored 30 newly recruited ‘master technicians’ to China for specialized training in agricultural mechanization.
This is a step towards transforming Jigawa State agricultural sector and enhance productivity through advanced technology and capacity building.
At a fare well ceremony in the Government House, Dutse, the Governor Mallam Umar Namadi described the initiative as a landmark moment in the state’s agricultural history.
He reiterated that agriculture remains the basis of Jigawa State’s economy and stressed the government’s commitment to mechanizing farming practices to boost proficiency and reduce manual labor.
To facilitate this transformation, 60 service centers have been established across the state, along with the appointment of a managing director for the Jigawa State Farm Mechanization Program, a fully independent company registered under the Corporate Affairs Commission.
The company will oversee the deployment of farm machinery and ensure its maintenance and operational sustainability.
According to Governor Namadi, the state government has already made substantial progress in this regard, including the procurement of 300 tractors, 60 combine harvesters, disc ploughs, sprayers, and other essential farm implements.
He also announced that 65% of the payment for the machinery has been made, with the remaining 35% expected to be completed by the end of next month.
The governor emphasized that, “these machines will be made accessible to farmers across in the state through the service centers, where farmers can be able to hire tractors and other equipment at heavily subsidized rates, ensuring affordability and sustainability of the programme.”
“Our goal is to ensure the mechanization of agriculture, making these tractors available to all farmers in the state. All farmers have to do is visit any of the service centres, request a tractor, and the tractor will be delivered to their farms to render services.”
He stated that the 30 technicians traveling to China will undergo six to eight weeks of training in agricultural equipment maintenance and operation.
The training program is part of a comprehensive capacity-building initiative under the Jigawa Agricultural Mechanization Support System (JAMSS).
The Jigawa Agricultural Mechanization Program is projected to not only revolutionize farming practices in the state but also position Jigawa as a leader in agricultural innovation in Nigeria.
Details of the engagement was contained in a press statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Jigawa State Hamisu Mohammed Gumel.