Jigawa governor leads Argentina mission to scale forage farming and agribusiness
Jigawa State is studying Argentina’s forage systems to raise feed supply, support livestock growth, and open export routes to Middle Eastern markets.
NIGERIA – Nigerian Governor Umar Namadi is leading a technical learning mission to Argentina as Jigawa State steps up plans to grow forage production and agribusiness across northern Nigeria.
The visit, held with El Meena Farms Limited and international partners including Saudi Arabia’s Alkhorayef Group, focuses on the alfalfa value chain. The team is spending time in Córdoba Province, where semi arid conditions mirror those in northern Nigeria and support large scale forage farming.
In Córdoba, the delegation toured alfalfa, soy, and corn fields to study crop management and water use methods that support steady yields in dry climates. The team also visited Biofarma S.A., a leading animal nutrition firm, to review livestock health and feeding practices that support higher output.
At Nafosa and Pellfood plants, the group examined mega baling, high density compaction, and pelleting systems that allow forage to move from farm to feed market at scale. These visits aim to guide Jigawa’s shift toward organized production that meets local demand and export needs.
“This mission is not merely a study tour; it is a foundational step toward creating jobs and boosting the Internally Generated Revenue of our state,” Governor Namadi said. “By adopting these Argentine industrial blueprints, we are ensuring that Jigawa State moves from traditional farming to a commercial, export focused system.”
Adapting the cluster approach
Argentina’s cluster approach links smallholder farmers to shared processing and logistics centers. Farmers work within defined zones around industrial sites that offer machinery access, seed support, and extension services. Central processing helps standardize output and meet strict health rules for export.
Governor Namadi traveled with the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr Abdurrahman Salim Lawal, and the Director General of the Jigawa Agriculture Transformation Agency, Dr Saifullahi Umar. The team plans to apply lessons from the visit at El Meena Farms and across Jigawa’s planned farm clusters.
Beyond state level gains, the mission carries trade importance. Argentina supplies large volumes of feed to Gulf states that rely on imports to support poultry and dairy sectors. Its cluster linked facilities also support halal certified meat and feed exports to markets such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.
Jigawa officials see similar links as a route to steady demand and foreign exchange. The mission is expected to end with joint ventures and technical agreements that allow quick rollout once the team returns to Nigeria.
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