By Haruna Abubakar Bebeji
The governor of Jigawa State, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar has said as crude oil prices continue to crash in the global market, governments have the duty to source for other revenue sources and improve exports.
The governor stated this while signing a memorandum of understanding with Olam Nigeria limited and Institute of International Tropical Agriculture, IITA, to boost the production of groundnut.
He said it is on record that Jigawa and Kano states were major producers of groundnuts in Nigeria, but things have since changed due to the advent of oil and pest infestation.
Mr Abubakar explained that his administration had introduced the cluster farming on groundnut in the state to revive the production of the commodity.
He said 2,000 hectares were cultivated last year in the cluster program and 3,652 hectares are being targeted this year.
Mr Badaru commended Olam and the Institute of International Tropical Agriculture for partnering with the state and assured them of state’s government readiness.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commercialization and Agribusiness Manager for West Africa of the institute, Peter Okomoh said the memorandum is poised to bring back groundnuts as a major export commodity.
He expressed the readiness of the institute to build the capacity of the farmers and extension workers.
On his part, the representative of Olam Nigeria Limited Mr. Mayank said the company will provide the needed market for the commodity.
