Nigeria: Science, Research and Investment Key to Jigawa's Agric Transformation - Namadi

What the report says

Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi said science, research and sustained investment are central to transforming agriculture in the state, improving food security and expanding opportunities for farmers. He made the remarks on Monday in Dutse while delivering the keynote address at the 11th National Annual Conference of the Crop Science Society of Nigeria, held at the Nuhu Muhammad Sunusi Auditorium, Federal University, Dutse.

According to the Premium Times report republished by AllAfrica, Namadi argued that climate change and population growth are making older farming practices less effective. He said his administration has made agriculture a major part of its 12-point agenda and has backed that with a state agricultural policy for 2024-2030, an investment plan, and stronger institutions to coordinate support across the sector.

The governor pointed to research partnerships with groups including the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, AfricaRice, CGIAR institutions and Sasakawa Africa Association. He said field demonstrations linked to those partnerships showed notable yield gains in rice and sorghum. He also cited extension services, irrigation and mechanization efforts, including about 1,700 extension agents, 1,185 motorcycles, solar-powered pumps and support for more than 250,000 farmers over three years.

Namadi said Jigawa is also developing rice-processing clusters and supporting processing for crops such as sesame, hibiscus and wheat to cut post-harvest losses and add value. At the event, the Crop Science Society of Nigeria conferred on him a fellowship in recognition of his administration’s agricultural work.