Governor Malam Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has commended the outcomes of the Agrighar Scoping Study conducted across ten local government areas of the state, describing it as a major step toward transforming rural livelihoods through inclusive, women-led, and technology-driven agriculture.
The study, carried out by Agrighar India, culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state government and the agribusiness firm.
In a statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, Governor Namadi expressed satisfaction with the findings, saying they align with his administration’s agricultural transformation agenda.
“This study is a true reflection of our vision, and the dedication shown by your team has given us confidence that you are a partner in progress,” the governor said during a meeting with the Agrighar delegation led by Dr. Sowmini Sunkara on Saturday.
He added that by 2030, Jigawa would be recognized globally for the quality of its agricultural products.
According to the statement, the Agrighar team visited several regions and value chains, including rice, groundnut, cassava, hibiscus, dairy, and fisheries, where they interacted with local stakeholders to assess challenges and opportunities.
Among the key initiatives outlined in the scoping report are the establishment of agribusiness incubation clusters to support youth and women entrepreneurs, the revival of non-functional processing centres in Jahun, Gidanara, and Kila Ward through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and the introduction of solar-powered processing systems to enhance productivity.
The study also proposed linking Jigawa’s producers to Kano markets for sesame, hibiscus, rice, dairy, and fish, alongside strengthening cooperative governance, branding, and value addition to improve rural incomes.
Dr. Sunkara, who led the Agrighar India team, said the project aims to build sustainable livelihoods and position Jigawa as a model state for inclusive agribusiness development in Nigeria.
“Our interactions during the field visits demonstrated the eagerness of local farmers and stakeholders to engage and innovate,” she said.
Governor Namadi reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to begin implementation immediately, pledging full support for the MoU’s provisions.
“We are ready to work with you and start implementing this transformative project without delay. I want to assure you that this relationship is already established, and we are prepared to take the next steps,” he stated.
He also commended the Agrighar team for their grassroots approach. “The way you interacted with our people showed that they are ready to collaborate. Their enthusiasm assures me that we are on the right path,” the governor added.