News in Brief:
– A national agency will distribute 5 million date plant seedlings to 11 states to boost commercial production and create shelter belts.
– This initiative, in partnership with Suleiman Farms, aims to stimulate economic growth and environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) is set to distribute 5 million date plant seedlings across 11 states of the country. Essentially, the aim is to establish shelter belts and stimulate commercial date production.
Strategic partnership for national growth
The agency’s Director General, Alhaji Sale Abubakar, also announced a partnership with Suleiman Farms and Agro-Allied Company Limited to produce and distribute the seedlings.
The initiative aims to harness the potential of date cultivation for economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Dutse: a hub for date production
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Muhammad Hameem Nuhu, Abubakar highlighted Dutse’s prominence in date production. He emphasised the significant economic impact of date farming. Alhaji Abubakar revealed that each seedling has the potential of generating over ₦12 million annually.
Additionally, the distribution will cover 11 states to establish shelter belts and commercial date plantations. This move is expected to contribute significantly to national economic growth, with an estimated annual income of ₦300 billion.
Royal endorsement and community support
Meantime, Emir Hameem Sanusi expressed his support for the initiative. He acknowledged the late Emir Muhammadu Sanusi’s passion for date farming and innovative techniques.
The Emir commended the efforts of Alh. Bashir Aminu, Chairman/CEO of Suleiman Farms and Agro-Allied Company Limited, for his contribution to the development of date farming in Jigawa State.
Furthermore, he highlighted the state’s diverse date species and the potential for large-scale commercial production. He emphasized his company’s capacity to produce a significant number of seedlings to meet the growing demand for date farming.
About NAGGW
The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) is a Nigerian government agency combating land degradation and desertification in the northern states. It has produced over 45 million tree seedlings, empowered communities, and forged partnerships. It has also advocated for sustainable land use policies to address climate change and food security.
