The Governor of Jigawa State, Mr. Badaru Abubakar on Sunday said the Islamic Development Bank has concluded plans to invest about $35 million to promote agriculture in the state.
The gov. made the disclosure at Kwalge Dam in Auyo Local Government during the Hadejia Zonal Fishing Festival adding that the investment would largely be in the area of accelerated crop production across the state.
According to him, the investment would enhance agricultural financing, mechanization, processing and enterprise.
He added that the government is collaborating with the World Bank and African Development Bank, to clear water hyacinth on Hadejia River, which had inhibited fishing and effective utilization of the water for consumption and irrigation.
The state government, he continued, with support from the Federal Government and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had initiated Anchor Borrower Scheme to support farmers transform agriculture and attain food sufficiency.
The governor noted that the programme was designed to support rural farmers, build their capacity, increase crop production, encourage modern processing and add value to the produce.
Mr. Abubakar reiterated the government’s commitment to reduce poverty, provide job opportunities and enhance wealth through effective utilization of agricultural resources.
Mr. Ali said the state government had expended about N4 million to support fishery development programmes, adding that similar fishing festivals would be held in Birnin-Kudu and Kirikasamma Local Government Areas.
“The fishing festival is to motivate fishermen and encourage production,” he added.
Mr. Ali disclosed that the state government had stocked about 150, 000 fingerlings at Warwade Dam in Dutse Local Government, to enhance fish production.
The commissioner, therefore, called on farmers to support government policies and programmes to reinvigorate agriculture and make it the mainstay of the state’s economy.
