Gov Umar Namadi Sends 30 Technicians to China for Specialized Agricultural Training
Governor Umar Namadi has flagged off the departure of 30 newly recruited master technicians to China for specialized training in agricultural mechanization.
This program 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 Council Chambers of the Government House in Dutse, Governor Umar Namadi described the initiative as a landmark moment in the state's agricultural history.
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 said 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 Program, a fully independent company registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
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 pointed out 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.
He noted that, deliveries of the equipment are anticipated to begin by late December 2024 or early January 2025,
Malam Umar Namadi 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 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.”
He added that the 30 technicians traveling to China will undergo six to eight weeks of training in agricultural equipment maintenance and operation.
He said, these individuals, 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.
Namadi said, the training program is part of a comprehensive capacity-building initiative under the Jigawa Agricultural Mechanization Support System.
He said, the program will train 2,726 individuals in various specializations, including tractor operation, fleet management, and service center management.
The initiative is expected to create approximately 8,000 indirect jobs while servicing a minimum of 180,000 hectares annually.
"This is not just about agriculture; it is about building a legacy. By modernizing agriculture, we are securing the future of Jigawa State and creating opportunities for generations to come,”
The Jigawa Agricultural Mechanization Program is projected to not only revolutionize farming practices in the state but also position Jigawa as a leader in agricultural innovation in Nigeria.
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