By Peter Omopo
Dutse, September 24, 2025 — The Jigawa State Government has flagged off a large-scale date palm cultivation programme, training 400 youths and allocating 200 hectares of land to boost agriculture, create jobs, and combat desertification.
Governor Umar Namadi announced the initiative on Monday during the graduation ceremony of the trainees at the Yakubu Gowon NYSC Orientation Camp, Fanisau, Dutse. He explained that each participant will manage half a hectare of land with 200 date palm trees, while receiving government support to ensure profitability.
According to the governor, the scheme goes beyond technical training, with the state set to provide beneficiaries with a monthly allowance for two years, industrial boreholes, and other farming inputs.
“The monthly allowance is designed to support the youths while they develop their farms into profitable ventures,” Namadi said.
He added that date palm farming was deliberately chosen because of its economic value, environmental benefits, and role in curbing desertification.
Local Government Representation
The beneficiaries were selected equally from Birniwa, Yankwashi, Babura, and Sule Tankarkar Local Government Areas, reflecting the administration’s commitment to inclusiveness.
Namadi urged more young people to embrace agriculture as a pathway to self-reliance, stressing his government’s vision to position Jigawa as a hub for sustainable farming and environmental conservation.
Beneficiaries React
Some of the new farmers expressed excitement at the opportunity.
- Aminu Musa, from Birniwa LGA, said: “This programme has given me hope and a real chance to support my family. I am excited to start cultivating date palms and build a better future.”
- Yusuf Sani, from Babura LGA, added: “Before this, I had no clear source of income. Now, with the skills and monthly support, I can confidently plan for my future.”
The training, which focused on planting, nurturing, and managing date palms, is expected to help boost rural incomes and support Jigawa’s broader economic diversification drive.
