Jigawa: Gov Namadi Sends Technicians To China For Specialized Agricultural Training

By Ayodele Oni

Jigawa State is set to boost agriculture to enhance higher revenue as Governor Umar Namadi flagged off the departure of 30 newly recruited Master Technicians to China for specialized training in Agricultural Mechanization.

The programme is part of the state’s broader strategy to modernize agriculture and boost productivity through advanced technology and capacity building.

Speaking at the farewell event at the Government House in Dutse, Governor Namadi described the initiative as a landmark moment in the state’s agricultural history.

He added that the 30 technicians traveling to China will undergo six to eight weeks of training in agricultural equipment maintenance and operation.

The governor stated that the beneficiaries, who are graduates with engineering and agricultural engineering backgrounds, are expected to return as master technicians equipped to manage the service centers and maintain the machinery.

He reiterated that agriculture remains the foundation of Jigawa State’s economy and stressed the government’s commitment to mechanizing farming practices to enhance efficiency and reduce manual labor.

Namadi pointed out that 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 Programme, a fully independent company registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, (CAC).

He further explained that the company will oversee the deployment of farm machinery and ensure its maintenance and operational sustainability.

According to him, 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 explained that, 65 percent of the payment for the machinery has been made, with the remaining 35 percent expected to be completed by the end of next month.

The governor noted that deliveries of the equipment are anticipated to begin by late December 2024 or early January 2025,

Namadi promised that the 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 of the programme.

“Our goal is to ensure the mechanization of agriculture, making these tractors available to all farmers in the state.

“All farmers have to do is visit any of the service centres, request a tractor, and the tractor will be delivered to their farms to render services.”