The Jigawa State Government has unveiled plans to cultivate 10,000 improved date palm trees as part of a bold, export-oriented agricultural expansion drive aimed at strengthening the state’s position in the global market.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Hamisu Muhammad Gumel, Governor Umar Namadi disclosed the initiative during a high-level meeting with Saudi Arabian date palm experts at the residence of the Saudi Arabian Consul-General in Kano.
According to the governor, the project represents a strategic step toward transforming Jigawa into a competitive force in the international date trade.
The 10,000 offshoots—comprising both local and commercial varieties—will be cultivated using advanced agricultural technologies, including tissue culture and molecular segregation. These methods are expected to enhance seed quality, boost yields and ensure the produce meets international export standards.
Jigawa currently leads Nigeria in date palm production, with over 1,042 hectares already under cultivation. To further strengthen the sector, the state government has commenced a comprehensive survey of existing date palm plantations to streamline data collection and improve export readiness.
Governor Namadi also revealed that five new plantations will be established in strategic locations across the state to guarantee steady supply for both domestic processing and international markets.
Beyond export growth, the initiative is projected to generate employment for youths, raise farmers’ incomes and expand foreign exchange earnings. The programme forms part of the state’s broader agricultural transformation agenda focused on diversifying the economy and positioning date palm cultivation as a major revenue driver.
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