From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
The federal government has promised to support farmers for the increase of Gum Arabic production in Jigawa state.
The move was announced by the minister of agriculture and rural development while speaking at capacity building on good agricultural practice for Fun Arabic farmers in Dutse.
The Minister who was represented by deputy director tree crops Mr Ukattah Bernerd, explained that, federal government chose three forefront gum Arabic producing states including Jigawa, Yobe and Borno as part of effort to diversify the economy and reduce dependency on crude oil in the country.
He said, the training was organized to keep the gum Arabic farmers abreast of the current techniques for maximum outputs or yield for income generation and improved livelihood.
According to him, the training will sensitizes farmers on modern production and distribution of more gum Arabic seedlings, storage bags, tapping knives and refurbished and equipped testing laboratory.
Other areas include gum Arabic crusher, gum Arabic colour sorter converter, gum Arabic bag closer, gum Arabic vacuum sealant and digital moisture meter.
Also speaking, the Director of agriculture Mrs K.I Babangida said, in federal government has made various efforts to provide Gum Arabic farmers with improve Gum Arabic seedlings, fertilizers, herbicides tapping knives, hammer mill with cyclone among others in view to improve its productivity.
He then assured federal government’s effort to make Nigeria number one in gum Arabic production in the world, and urged the participants to extend the skills acquired during the workshop to other farmers at grassroots.
