The Jigawa State Government has announced plans to cultivate 10,000 improved date palm trees as part of efforts to expand agricultural exports and strengthen the state’s position in the global date market.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued to journalists on Saturday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Hamisu Muhammad Gumel. The statement revealed that Governor Malam Umar Namadi made this known during a high-level engagement with Saudi Arabian date palm experts. The meeting took place at the residence of the Saudi Arabian Consul-General in Kano.
Governor Namadi described the initiative as a significant step toward establishing Jigawa as a strong competitor in international date production. He explained that the 10,000 offshoots will include both indigenous and commercial varieties. He said modern methods such as tissue culture and molecular segregation will be deployed to guarantee high yields that meet export requirements.
He further stated that the programme will go beyond increasing output. It will also enhance export readiness through improved seed quality, plantation standardisation and the adoption of contemporary farming techniques.
According to the statement, “Jigawa, which remains Nigeria’s leading producer of date palm, currently has 1,042 hectares under cultivation. The government is also conducting a comprehensive survey of existing date palm trees across the state to streamline data for planning and export readiness.”
The governor added that five strategic locations have been selected for new plantations. He said this will help consolidate production and ensure steady supply for domestic processing as well as foreign markets.
Namadi stressed that the initiative will generate employment for young people, raise farmers’ earnings and create foreign exchange opportunities for the state. “Certainly, this is sure to boost productivity, increase farmers’ incomes and enhance export potential,” the governor stated.
The project forms part of Jigawa’s wider agricultural transformation plan aimed at diversifying the economy and developing date palm cultivation into a major revenue source.
