The Jigawa state government, in collaboration with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, would introduce irrigation in the desert through new modern irrigation technology.
This was contained in a press statement issued, signed, and made available to the Online Tribune in Dutse by the senior special assistant to the governor, media, and publicity, Mrs. Zainab Rabo Ringim, who said the two governments reached an agreement during Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s official visit to Saudi Arabia.
According to the statement, experts from the two parties have completed arrangements to kickstart dry season farming in Sahel areas of the state, such as Maigari, Suletankarkar, Babura, etc.
The statement further stated that said foreign partners are set for the final putsch for the commencement of the implementing programme in accordance with agreed terms and conditions.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor explained that the essence was to boost self-sufficiency in food production to achieve food security, which is one of the present administration’s policies.
She noted that, under the project agreement, mini-dams would be provided in the affected areas to facilitate year-round farming.
In the statement, the media aid added that “some of the proposals boarded on the need to introduce irrigation services where there is none by providing mini dams sporadically and boreholes to boost dry season farming.”
Hajiya Rabo further stated that there is an effort 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 “the 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 as having revealed a plan 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 the Nigeria/Niger border.
She said the Free Zone will expand its windows to increase its foreign earnings and support its ambitious economic development, as captured on the twelve-point agenda of Malam Unar Namadi.
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