Jigawa State Government has signed a strategic partnership with an Indian agro-tech company, CornTech Seeds Private Limited, to enhance crop productivity through hybrid seed technology.
This is contained in a press statement issued by Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, said the move is aimed at revitalizing agricultural sector.
The Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) was formalized at the Government House, Dutse, during the visit of a high-powered delegation from India led by CornTech’s Chairman and CEO, Mr.Venkateswarlu Yaganti. The agreement marks a new chapter in Jigawa’s push for agricultural transformation, aligning with Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s 12-Point Agenda.
Governor Namadi described the partnership as a “turning point” for the state’s agricultural development. “This collaboration will be a win-win situation. Jigawa has the land, the people, and the market. What we need now is modern technology, and CornTech has the expertise,” he said during the signing ceremony.
The agreement is the outcome of a recent investment tour to India by a Jigawa delegation, during which key areas of collaboration were identified. Under the new framework, CornTech will supply high-yield hybrid seeds for crops including maize, rice, wheat, and vegetables. The company will also conduct field trials across different agro-ecological zones in the state to determine the most suitable varieties for local conditions.
In addition to seed supply, the partnership encompasses training for farmers and extension workers, support in post-harvest management, and knowledge exchange in agricultural best practices. CornTech will operate in Nigeria through its local partner, Feredo Agro & Bio Farms Ltd.
Mr. Yaganti praised the state’s commitment to agricultural reform, noting that Jigawa’s potential mirrors India’s pre-transformation landscape. “The agricultural transformation of India can be replicated in Jigawa much faster with modern communication and information technology,” he said.
The MoC was signed on behalf of Jigawa State by Dr. Saifullahi Umar, Director-General of the Jigawa Agricultural Transformation Agency (JATA), and will initially span three years, with a provision for renewal based on mutual agreement.
The partnership is expected to significantly boost crop yields, enhance food security, and improve the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers across the state.
