KATSINA STATE GOVT MOVES TO REPLICATE JIGAWA’S AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE MODEL
By Ali Baba-Inuwa
The Katsina State Government has commenced moves to understudy the Jigawa Research Institute (JRI), Kazaure, with a view to replicating its model and experience in establishing and developing agricultural research infrastructure in the state.
The move was disclosed during a two days familiarisation visit by a high powered delegation of Katsina State officials to JRI. The delegation, led by the Katsina State Commissioner of Agriculture, Hon. Aliyu Lawan Zakari Shargalle, was mandated by the State Governor, Malam Umar Dikko Radda, to study the operations, facilities, research activities and development model of the Institute.
Other members of the delegation included Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim Tsiga, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture; Alhaji Abubakar Dabo, Managing Director, KTARDA; Mansir Sulaiman, Director of Agricultural Services; and Samaila Sulaiman, Director of Planning, among other senior officials.
Welcoming the delegation, the DG of JRI, Dr. Suleiman Rufai Babura, expressed delight at the visit, describing it as an important opportunity for knowledge sharing and institutional collaboration between the two neighbouring states.
He assured the Katsina delegation of JRI’s maximum support and cooperation throughout the visit, stressing the Institute’s readiness to share its experience, knowledge and practical approaches to agricultural research and development.
Speaking during the visit, Commissioner Shargalle expressed satisfaction with the facilities and activities observed at JRI. He said the primary objective of the delegation was to learn from the Institute’s experience and identify areas that could be adapted for the development of a similar institution in Katsina State.
The Commissioner said the scale of facilities, research activities and achievements recorded by JRI could not be fully appreciated without visiting the Institute and seeing its operations firsthand.
He also commended the Jigawa State Government, particularly Governor Malam Umar Namadi, for prioritising agriculture and supporting agricultural research and development, noting that the state’s commitment to the sector has contributed to its growing reputation as a leading agricultural state in the North-Western part of the country.
During the two days engagement, the delegation toured key facilities across JRI, including research farms, laboratories and other operational units. They were also briefed on the Institute’s research programmes, agricultural innovations, institutional structure and achievements.
The visit is expected to further strengthen knowledge exchange and cooperation between Jigawa and Katsina states, particularly in the areas of agricultural research, innovation, technology transfer and institutional development.
