Namadi targets 10 tons per hectare yield with mechanized agriculture

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Dutse

Jigawa governor, Umar Namadi, has said the state is targeting yield of 10 tons per hectare with the ongoing mechanization of agricultural practices across the state.

Governor Namadi revealed this during a courtesy visit by the delegation of Al-Yaseen Agricultural Company of Saudi Arabia at the Government House, Dutse.

He revealed that the Jigawa State Government is setting its sights on a transformative leap in agricultural productivity, targeting yields of up to 10 tons per hectare through aggressive mechanization and irrigation-based farming.

He restated the state government’s commitment to revolutionizing its agricultural sector.

Namadi said agriculture remains the backbone of Jigawa State’s economy, employing 85–90 per cent of its people and contributing 46 per cent to the GDP

“We have the land; we have all the available resources that are needed for farming in Jigawa State. And with your expertise in irrigation, I am sure if we work together, we can achieve our goals,” he said.

The Governor outlined key steps the state has already taken toward mechanized farming—including irrigation expansion, improved seed distribution, agronomic training, and a growing network of over 1,700 extension workers.

“So far so good, we are able to improve our yields in many crops, but we still have a long way to go. We have moved from the initial 2.5 tons per hectare to almost 4.5 tons per hectare. And we believe we can make it 8 or 10 tons per hectare.

“We have shallow water tables—even in desert parts of the state, water is accessible at just 70–80 meters,” he added.

Governor Namadi also said the state is currently revamping 10 strategic dams across the state and unlocking thousands of hectares of cultivable land.

“I am sure you have explored the Hadejia valley; there are still over 18,000 hectares of land that have not been tapped,” he inquired.

In his remarks, the delegation’s team leader, Dr. Shu’aibu Abubakar commended the state’s proactive efforts in agriculture, calling them unmatched in Nigeria.

According to him, “we have witnessed unprecedented efforts by the Jigawa State Government in promoting technology-driven agriculture—efforts we have not seen replicated in any other state in Nigeria.

“During our field visits, we observed the remarkable dedication of farmers across the state. We engaged with them directly, and they spoke highly of the government’s support—highlighting how it has enabled them to pursue and achieve their agricultural goals through timely facilitation and comprehensive assistance.”

Dr. Abubakar assured the Governor Namadi of Al-Yaseen’s readiness to support Jigawa’s mechanization drive and help realize its agricultural transformation ambition.