GOVERNOR NAMADI LEADS DELEGATION ON WHEAT FARMING STUDY TOUR TO ETHIOPIA 16-04-24
By Sadiq Aminu Governor Umar Namadi has embarked on a significant study tour to Ethiopia with a high level delegation comprising key aides on agricultural matters, officials, and professionals from the state ministry of agriculture and relevant agencies.
In a statement made available to Africa 247 by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Hamisu Mohammed Gumel explained that, the aim of the visit is to study Ethiopia’s national wheat production Initiative and engage in a comprehensive experience sharing program with that country’s top agricultural officials and experts with the aim of bringing home new ideas in the sector.
According to him, wheat, being the second largest grain globally in terms of production volume and acreage, holds critical importance in addressing food security challenges worldwide.
He said against this backdrop, Ethiopia has emerged as a key player in wheat production in Africa, demonstrating remarkable achievements in agricultural sustainability and productivity.
Hamisu Mohammed Gumel further explained that, the visit aims to achieve key objectives, including on the field assessment of Ethiopia’s successful national wheat production Initiative and its benefits.
He pointed out that, other aims include facilitating knowledge exchange on wheat production systems and best practices, addressing challenges in sustainable wheat production, and enhancing collaboration between Ethiopia and Nigeria in adopting sustainable agricultural practices.
The CPS said, Specific focus areas include understanding Ethiopia’s long term plans for wheat production, assessing progress and challenges, exploring different production methods, and showcasing successful models like agricultural commercialization and farmer production clusters.
He said during the four day official visit, the Jigawa delegation will, among other important things, derive lessons on rain fed and irrigated wheat production in various federal states of Ethiopia as well as successful sustainable wheat production models, such as agricultural commercialization and farmer production clusters.
The CPS noted that, Jigawa State is currently the foremost wheat producer in Nigeria, significantly contributing to the nation’s agricultural sector and food security, and the study tour is expected to open opportunities for the state as well as achieve several critical outcomes that would help to enhance sustainable wheat production in the state.
Gumel added that, the visit stresses the commitment of Governor Umar Namadi’s administration in the state to exploring innovative agricultural practices for enhancing food security and transforming the agricultural sector into a business venture for the largely agrarian population in the state.