By Ibrahim Muhammad
The Jigawa State Government has launched a Wheat Value Chain Research Programme and awarded research grants to 10 postgraduate scholars.
This was contained in a press statement signed by Chief press secretary to the Governor, Hamisu Muhammad issued to newsmen on Wednesday.
He said, the move is aimed at boosting wheat production and strengthening food security.
The beneficiaries include four PhD and six MSc candidates selected through a competitive process.
Governor Namadi said the initiative reflects the state’s commitment to using research and innovation to improve agriculture, especially wheat, where Jigawa remains Nigeria’s leading producer.
“This programme is timely, given the growing challenges around food security. We want research that delivers practical solutions for our farmers,” the governor said.
He congratulated the scholars and assured them that the government would apply their findings to improve wheat production and agribusiness across the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Wheat Value Chain Development Committee, Professor Usman Haruna, said the programme was designed to address gaps in research, seed development, and scientific support for wheat farming.
He explained that 36 applications were received, 17 shortlisted, and 10 candidates eventually selected after interviews.
According to him, the research will focus on improved seed varieties, productivity, irrigation efficiency, and value addition, with benefits expected to extend to other crops such as rice and sorghum.
The programme will be implemented in collaboration with institutions including Federal University Dutse, Sule Lamido University Kafin-Hausa, Bayero University Kano, the Institute for Agricultural Research, Zaria, and the Lake Chad Research Institute.
