By Ibrahim Muhammad
Thousands of rice farmers in Jigawa State are set to benefit from subsidised farm inputs and solar-powered irrigation support following a new partnership between the state government and StarAgri West Africa Limited.
The partnership, sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the Government House in Dutse, on Wednesday.
The MoU is expected to support about 20,000 rice farmers involved in dry season farming across the state.
Governor Umar Namadi, who witnessed the signing ceremony, said the initiative was designed to ease the burden faced by farmers due to the rising cost of farming inputs and irrigation.
According to him, the state government will provide a 30 percent subsidy on agricultural inputs to the benefiting farmers to encourage them to remain actively engaged in farming.
“For many farmers, the cost of inputs and irrigation has become a serious challenge. We want to support them so they can continue farming and also make profit from their hard work,” the governor said.
He also announced that the government would distribute 6,000 solar-powered water pumps to farmers under a repayment arrangement spread over two years.
Governor Namadi explained that the solar pumps would help farmers reduce dependence on fuel-powered machines and cut down irrigation costs during the dry season.
The MoU was signed on behalf of StarAgri West Africa Limited by its Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Sandy Eyal, while the Commissioner for Agriculture, Muttaka Namadi, signed for the Jigawa State Government.
Governor Namadi praised the company for showing interest in supporting smallholder farmers in Jigawa, expressing confidence that the partnership would improve agricultural production and strengthen food security in the state.
He added that the government would continue to collaborate with organisations willing to support local farmers and expand agricultural opportunities across Jigawa State.
