By Ahmad Alabira, Dutse
(SINL NIGERIA) Jigawa State Governor, Mallam Umar Namadi has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering farmers and strengthening partnerships with like-mind associations to drive agricultural development in the state.
The Governor made this declaration when he received the leadership of the Flour Millers Association of Nigeria (FMAN), who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Dutse.
This was contained in a statement made available to SINL Nigeria Online on Thursday by Mr Mohammed Hamisu Gumel, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Namadi.
During the meeting, Governor Namadi emphasized the vital role agriculture plays in Jigawa’s economy, noting that 85% of the state’s population is directly involved in farming.
“As a government, we have no option but to promote agriculture, my administration’s comprehensive agricultural policy, aligns with the administration’s 12-point agenda for growth and development.
“We believe agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and we have a comparative advantage in this sector. With strong partnerships like the one we have with FMAN, we will continue to empower our farmers and elevate Jigawa’s agricultural sector to new heights.
“Jigawa State is on track to bring over 120,000 hectares of land into production this year, which is a significant increase compared to previous years,” he stressed.
However, the governor highlighted several key initiatives aimed at boosting agricultural productivity in the state, including a partnership with FMAN to support wheat farming.
“Through partnerships and mechanization, we are expanding our reach and ensuring that farming becomes not only a viable livelihood but a profitable business for our people.
“Our goal is to ensure that farming becomes a sustainable and profitable venture for every farmer in Jigawa. We are fully committed to working with FMAN and other stakeholders to achieve this vision.
“We are on a path to creating a robust, self-reliant agricultural sector that will provide jobs, increase food security, and boost the economy of Jigawa State,” he added.
Earlier in his remarks, the President of FMAN, Alhaji Shehu Olalekan, expressed appreciation for the governor’s continuous support and the long-standing partnership with Jigawa State.
He noted that Jigawa accounts for 65% of FMAN’s beneficiaries and has empowered over 10,000 farmers across Nigeria.
“Your Excellency, under your leadership, Jigawa has become a beacon of agricultural excellence in Nigeria. We are proud to be part of this journey and look forward to expanding our collaboration for the benefit of our farmers and communities.
“FMAN has also been instrumental in seed production and multiplication efforts, providing quality seeds that cover over 10,000 hectares of farmland.
“The association’s initiatives, such as demonstration farms and grassroots collection points, have helped train and uplift thousands of farmers in Jigawa.
The FMAN’s President assured Governor Namadi that the partnership will continue to grow, with plans for new interventions and investments in agricultural technology and mechanization.
