Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has promised to collaborate with the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to convert mechanical pumps to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) on a large scale, aiming to reduce the cost of dry season farming in the state.
The governor made this disclosure while speaking to journalists in Auyo town, the headquarters of Auyo Local Government Area, shortly after attending a youth empowerment event organized by a member of the House of Representatives from the state.
Malam Umar Namadi explained that the State Executive Council has already approved the large-scale conversion of mechanical pumps to CNG and is committed to making them available and affordable for farmers, particularly those involved in dry season farming.
According to him, this initiative is part of his administration’s ongoing efforts to support and encourage irrigation farmers by reducing food production costs, creating job opportunities through agriculture, and contributing to the country’s national food security policy.
He stated, “Since we took office, we have been subsidizing agriculture. For us, subsidizing agriculture is not new. We have done it, we are doing it, and we will continue to do it. Our objective is to make farming the main economic activity in Jigawa State.”
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Malam Namadi emphasized, “We are also exploring additional alternatives to further subsidize and reduce costs while supporting and encouraging our farmers to engage in year-round farming activities. The government considers it necessary to remove any obstacles to achieving our objectives of making farming the main economic activity and securing food security in the state and Nigeria.”
The governor added that the State Executive Council has awarded a contract for the purchase of 300 tractors, 300 disc plows, 300 disc harrows, 300 disc ridgers, 300 tipping trailers, 150 multipurpose planters, 150 rice seeders, 40 combine harvesters, and 80 boom sprayers, amounting to over N26.2 billion.
“Additionally, over N260 million has been earmarked for the training of 30 master technicians over a three-month period in China. Sixty centers will be established, two in each of the state’s 30 constituencies, and each will be managed by the master technicians. This project will initially employ 2,700 youth, with the number expected to increase as the project progresses.”
Namadi further explained, “The council has approved the release of over N8.1 billion for the payment of a 30% equipment deposit and the training of 30 master technicians.”
He urged members of the National Assembly to complement his administration’s efforts in job creation and youth employment through agriculture and other skill-building initiatives to promote self-reliance. “This is part of my 12-point agenda presented to the people of the state, and I am committed to its implementation,” he concluded.
