The Jigawa State Government has entered into a strategic partnership with CornTech Seeds Private Limited of India to transform agricultural productivity through advanced hybrid seed technology.
Governor Umar Namadi received a delegation from the Indian agro-tech company, led by its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Venkateswarlu Yaganti, at the Government House in Dutse, where both parties signed a Memorandum of Cooperation.
The agreement follows an agricultural investment tour by a Jigawa delegation to India earlier in May, during which areas of collaboration with CornTech Seeds were identified. Under the framework, the company will supply hybrid seed varieties of maize, rice, wheat, and vegetables, while also conducting multi-location trials across Jigawa. It will further collaborate on research to develop seed varieties best suited to the state’s climate.
The partnership also covers training for farmers and extension workers, post-harvest management support, and facilitation of CornTech’s entry into Nigeria’s wider agricultural market through Feredo Agro & Bio Farms Ltd, its local partner.
Speaking at the signing, Governor Namadi described the partnership as a turning point for Jigawa’s agricultural transformation. “This collaboration will be a win-win situation. Jigawa has the land, the people, and the market. What we need now is modern technology, and CornTech has the expertise,” he said.
On his part, Mr. Yaganti noted that Jigawa is well-positioned to replicate India’s agricultural transformation. “The agricultural transformation of India can be replicated in Jigawa much faster with modern communication and information technology,” he said.
The Memorandum of Cooperation was signed by Mr. Yaganti on behalf of CornTech and Dr. Saifullahi Umar, Director-General of the Jigawa Agricultural Transformation Agency, on behalf of the state government.
Expected to run for an initial three years, the partnership is projected to significantly improve crop yields, strengthen food security, and uplift the livelihoods of thousands of farmers across Jigawa State. It also aligns with Governor Namadi’s 12-point agenda for agricultural transformation and sustainable development.
