Jigawa State Government has announced a strategic initiative to plant 10,000 improved date palm trees, targeting export expansion to enhance its role in the international date market. The plan, revealed by Governor Malam Umar Namadi during a high-level meeting with Saudi Arabian date palm experts in Kano, underscores a commitment to modernizing agriculture and boosting economic diversification.
According to a statement from the Governor’s office, signed by Chief Press Secretary Hamisu Muhammad Gumel, the programme will cultivate both local and commercial varieties using advanced techniques such as tissue culture and molecular segregation. These methods aim to ensure high-quality yields that comply with international export standards. Governor Namadi emphasized that the initiative is designed to strengthen the state’s export capacity by improving seed quality, standardizing plantations, and integrating modern farming practices.
Jigawa currently leads Nigeria in date palm production, with 1,042 hectares under cultivation. As part of the export drive, the government is conducting a comprehensive survey of existing date palm trees across the state to streamline data for planning and export readiness. New plantations will be established in five strategic locations to consolidate output and ensure a consistent supply for both local processing and international markets.
The programme is anticipated to generate significant benefits, including employment opportunities for youth, increased incomes for farmers, and prospective foreign exchange earnings. Governor Namadi stated that the effort will boost productivity and enhance export potential, aligning with the state’s broader agricultural transformation agenda. This agenda seeks to reduce reliance on oil by turning date palm cultivation into a major revenue-generating sector.
The collaboration with Saudi Arabian experts highlights the adoption of global best practices, as Saudi Arabia is a world leader in date palm production. By focusing on quality and scale, Jigawa aims to become a competitive exporter, potentially influencing Nigeria’s agricultural export profile. The initiative reflects a targeted approach to economic development, with careful planning through data surveys and strategic site selection.
As implementation proceeds, the success of this 10,000-tree programme could set a precedent for similar agricultural expansions in other Nigerian states, contributing to national goals of economic diversification and sustainable rural development. The emphasis on export readiness signals a proactive shift towards integrating local production into global supply chains, with long-term implications for Jigawa’s economy and Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
