By Grace Samuel
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has unveiled an ambitious plan aimed at achieving food sufficiency and bolstering the export of cash crops and agricultural products.
The announcement was made recently during a visit to the Koiri irrigation farm, a flagship project under his administration’s agricultural transformation agenda.
The Koiri irrigation scheme, spanning approximately 20 hectares of land, represents a significant milestone in the state’s agricultural development strategy.
Designed to harness drip irrigation technology, the scheme is projected to yield an impressive 364 tons of maize and sesame per crop cycle.
With three cycles planned annually, the initiative aims to produce over 1,092 tons of maize and other crops annually, thereby enhancing food security and creating employment opportunities for the populace.
Governor Zulum reiterated the importance of agricultural development in driving economic growth and poverty alleviation in Borno State.
Emphasizing the need for strategic investments in irrigation agriculture, he underscored his administration’s commitment to expanding the scope of agricultural activities across the state.
In a bold move to scale up agricultural production, Governor Zulum announced plans to expand the Koiri scheme to cover an additional 300 hectares of land, with 100 hectares earmarked for cultivation in each of the state’s three senatorial zones.
This expansion initiative reflects the government’s proactive approach to meeting the growing food demands of the populace and tapping into the economic potential of the agricultural sector.
Governor Zulum’s vision for agricultural transformation extends beyond the borders of Borno State.
He expressed his intention to position the state as a major player in the export market, particularly for high-value cash crops like sesame.
By leveraging the state’s natural resources and harnessing innovative farming techniques, Zulum aims to propel Borno State into a prominent position on the agricultural map of Nigeria and beyond.
During his visit, Governor Zulum was accompanied by key government officials, including Hon. Bukar Tijjani, Secretary to the State Government, Bawu Musami, Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Professor Usman Tar, Commissioner for Information and Internal Security.
The presence of these officials underscores the government’s collective commitment to realizing the vision of agricultural transformation and economic prosperity for the people of Borno State.
As Governor Zulum’s administration takes bold strides towards agricultural revitalization, the future holds promise for Borno State’s agricultural landscape, with implications that extend far beyond its borders.
With visionary leadership and strategic investments, Borno State is poised to emerge as a beacon of agricultural innovation and a driving force behind Nigeria’s quest for food security and economic resilience.