The production of date fruits in Jigawa State, Nigeria, is set for transformation following an agreement between a Saudi Arabian date palm firm and the state government. This collaboration aims to enhance productivity by integrating advanced technologies and high-yield date varieties into local farming practices.
Saudi Arabia, as the second-largest producer of tropical date fruit, produces 1.61 million tons annually, according to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation. Egypt leads global production with approximately 1.73 million tons, followed by Algeria with 1.25 million tons.
The partnership involves the Jigawa State government, the Saudi group, and Netay Agro-Tech, a Nigerian agricultural business. This initiative is expected to introduce new methodologies in tropical fruit production within the state, which currently produces about 21,000 metric tons of date fruits annually, positioning it among Nigeria's top producers.
Governor Umar Namadi, during a meeting with the Saudi delegation in Dutse, highlighted the alignment of this partnership with the state's agricultural development goals. "We warmly welcome you to Jigawa State and appreciate your interest in working with us. As a government, we are fully committed to this collaboration because it will greatly benefit our people," stated Namadi.
The Saudi delegation, led by Mr Abdul'aziz Abdurrahman-Al-Awf, emphasized the introduction of year-round date palm production and extensive farmer training. "We want to ensure year-round date palm production rather than seasonal yields and our collaboration will involve extensive farmer training and youth empowerment," he noted.
Source: Daily Trust