By Dahiru Suleiman, Dutse
Jigawa State Executive Council has approved the release of ₦7.4 billion for agricultural mechanisation equipment and establishment of a stable Agricultural Hub in the state under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope National Agricultural Mechanisation Programme (RH-NAMP).
The State Commissioner Information, Home Affair’s, Youth’s and Culture, Alhaji Sagir Musa Ahmed stated this after the council meeting held at government house Dutse.
He said, the approval represents an important step towards strengthening agricultural mechanisation, improving farmers’ access to modern agricultural equipment and services, and supporting the transformation of the agricultural sector in the state.
According to Sagir the approved funds will cover outstanding payments relating to the
provision of 100 tractors 81 H.P. 4WD, 100 Disc Harrows, 100 Disc Ploughs, 100 Disc Ridders,100 Tractor Trailers and 100 Trackers.
Also stated that, the deployment of these machines and implements is expected to enhance farmers’ access to mechanised land preparation and cultivation services, improve operational efficiency, reduce reliance on labour-intensive farming methods, and support increased agricultural production across the state.
Musa pointed out that, as part of the approval, the council has also approved the establishment of an Agricultural Hub (Agri-Hub) in the state as part of the implementation of the Renewed Hope National Agricultural Mechanisation Programme of the Federal Government.
According to him, the proposed
Agri-Hub is conceived as an integrated agricultural service centre that will bring together key facilities required to support mechanised farming, agricultural inputs, farmer training, equipment maintenance, produce aggregation and post-harvest activities, among others.
Sagir added that, the establishment of the Agri-Hub will provide a central platform for the delivery of agricultural mechanisation and related services to farmers and other participants in the agricultural value chain.
He said, the facility will also support the proper housing, servicing and maintenance of tractors and other agricultural equipment among others.