The Jigawa State Government has entered a $10 million joint venture with India’s Srinivasa Farms Private Limited to build a modern poultry hatchery.
The project aims to boost the local supply of day-old chicks for farmers.The deal was announced in a statement on Friday by Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Umar Namadi.
Under the agreement, Srinivasa Farms will hold a 60 per cent stake while the state government retains 40 per cent. Officials described the planned facility as the first modern hatchery of its kind in Northern Nigeria.
Governor Namadi, who chaired the signing ceremony, said the investment would open opportunities for poultry farmers and advance food security.
“I am confident that this project will revolutionise the poultry industry, not only in Jigawa State and Northern Nigeria, but across the country. It is also part of our efforts to support the Federal Government’s agenda on food security,” he said.
The partnership grew out of earlier engagements with the Indian firm, including a state delegation’s visit to its facilities in India. Officials observed the company’s poultry operations and its programmes supporting smallholder farmers.
Namadi noted that the firm’s focus on helping farmers build sustainable businesses influenced the decision to partner.
The agreement also covers training, technical guidance and other support for smallholder poultry farmers.
Namadi described the hatchery as one of five partnerships being pursued after his visit to India to attract investment, strengthen agricultural value chains and create opportunities for young people.
Senthil Kumar Krishnan, Vice-President of Srinivasa Farms, said the project would empower rural communities and improve poultry production through technical services and quality products.
He noted that farmers in Jigawa currently rely on day-old chicks transported from distant places such as Kaduna, with long journeys sometimes harming the birds’ condition.
“By producing the chicks locally, we will be able to address these challenges,” he said, adding that the company would also offer technical support to help farmers improve production and profitability.
Commissioner for Livestock Development Professor Salim Abdurrahman Lawal said the investment would tackle the high cost and unreliable supply of day-old chicks.
Many chicks currently reach northern farmers after journeys of 1,200–1,500 kilometres from southern production centres, which affects their condition and feeding response.
The new hatchery would cut travel distances within Jigawa to no more than about 150 kilometres.
The state also plans delivery facilities, youth involvement in distribution, and a support scheme to ease production pressures on farmers.
Lawal signed the agreement for the Jigawa State Government, while Krishnan signed for Srinivasa Farms Private Limited.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com