Ibrahim Muhammad
The Jigawa State Government has entered a strategic partnership with the Africa Rice Centre (AfricaRice) to strengthen rice production and boost food security in the state and across Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, who said the collaboration followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire.
Governor Mallam Umar Namadi led the state’s delegation to the signing ceremony, where the agreement was formalized between the Jigawa State Agricultural Transformation Agency (JATA) and AfricaRice.
The MoU, signed by JATA Director General, Dr. Saifullahi Umar, and AfricaRice Director General, Dr. Baboucarr Manneh, provides a framework for cooperation on key aspects of rice development.
Gumel quoted Governor Namadi as saying the partnership aligns with his administration’s vision for a modern and commercially driven rice sector capable of transforming the livelihoods of Jigawa farmers.
He said the collaboration focuses on developing improved rice varieties, promoting climate-smart production technologies, enhancing post-harvest handling, and building the capacity of farmers through digital agriculture.
According to the statement, Dr. Saifullahi Umar described the agreement as a major step toward achieving rice self-sufficiency in Jigawa by equipping farmers with advanced technologies and training.
AfricaRice Director General, Dr. Baboucarr Manneh, expressed optimism about the partnership, pledging the organization’s support to help drive innovations that will boost local rice production.
The statement added that implementation of the partnership will commence immediately through planning sessions and adaptive trials across several ecological zones in Jigawa State.
