Governor Mallam Umar Namadi has flagged off the departure of 30 newly recruited ‘master technicians’ to China for specialized training in agricultural mechanization.
The program is part of the state’s broader strategy to modernize agriculture and enhance productivity through advanced technology and capacity building.
Speaking during the farewell event at the Council Chambers of the Government House, Dutse, the governor 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. Deliveries of the equipment are anticipated to begin by late December 2024 or early January 2025, he said.
The governor emphasized that these machines will be made accessible to farmers across 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.
