Dutse: The Liberian Government has expressed readiness to partner with Jigawa state in North West Nigeria in the area of rice farming in order to boost value chain-knowledge on large-scale production. This was revealed when the Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi hosted Liberia’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture, David Akoi, on a study tour aimed at learning from the state’s success in rice production.
According to Voice of Nigeria, Jigawa is recognized as Nigeria’s leading rice-producing state. During a courtesy visit to Government House, Dutse, Mr. Akoi said the mission was to gain practical insights into rice cultivation and the entire value chain-knowledge which he hopes will help reduce Liberia’s heavy reliance on rice imports.
Mr. Akoi emphasized the significance of rice in Liberia, stating, ‘In Liberia, rice is our staple food, we eat it morning, afternoon, and night. It’s not just food, it’s a political commodity. In 1979, our president was overthrown following protests over a proposed rice price increa
se.’ He further explained that Liberia currently imports 70% of its rice and the government aims to reverse this trend by producing at least 70% of its consumption domestically. The visit to Nigeria, specifically Jigawa, was part of an effort to learn from their experience in building a robust rice value chain.
Governor Namadi commended Liberia’s choice of Jigawa for the study tour and highlighted the importance of exchanging ideas to enhance agricultural productivity in both countries. He noted that agriculture is a crucial component of Jigawa’s economy and that the state has made significant strides in rice cultivation, increasing from 60,000-70,000 hectares in 2023 to over 200,000 hectares in 2024, with a target of nearly 300,000 hectares this year. By 2030, the state aims to supply 50% of Nigeria’s rice needs.
The governor also outlined measures to combat climate change’s impact on farming, including a transition from rain-fed to irrigation agriculture. Jigawa has revived 10 irrigation dams, adding more
than 4,500 hectares to cultivated land. Additionally, to support production, the state has acquired 300 tractors with full implements, 60 combine harvesters, 150 planters, and other equipment. Each of the state’s 30 constituencies now has at least 10 tractors available for smallholder farmers at subsidized rates.
Details of the engagement were contained in a press statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Hamisu Gumel.