Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, is spearheading a high-level technical mission to the Republic of Argentina, aimed at strengthening international collaboration in forage production and livestock development, as part of efforts to position the state as a hub for agribusiness in Nigeria’s North West region.
This is contained in a press statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Hamisu Gumel.
The visit, undertaken in partnership with El Meena Farms Limited and international investors, including the Saudi Arabia based Alkhorayef Group, is focused on industrialising the alfalfa value chain, an increasingly strategic commodity in global livestock feed markets.
The delegation is currently engaging agricultural and industrial stakeholders in Argentina’s Province of Córdoba, a region whose semi arid climate closely mirrors that of Northern Nigeria.
Argentina is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of high quality alfalfa, supplying markets across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
Governor Namadi said the mission seeks to adapt Argentina’s globally acclaimed cluster model, which integrates smallholder farmers into technology driven production and processing hubs designed for domestic feed security and international export.
As part of the engagement, the Jigawa delegation undertook extensive field and industrial assessments.
These included a visit to Biofarma S.A., a leading Argentine animal nutrition company, where advanced livestock health and feeding systems were examined.
The team also toured Nafosa and Pellfood processing plants to study mega baling, high density compaction, and pelleting technologies used for export grade animal feed.
In addition, the delegation visited large scale alfalfa, soy, and corn farms to observe high yield agronomic practices, mechanised harvesting systems, and water efficient irrigation technologies suited to arid and semi arid environments.
Governor Namadi said, “this mission goes beyond knowledge exchange. It is about building a sustainable agribusiness ecosystem that creates jobs, strengthens food security, and opens Jigawa State to international markets.”
“By leveraging proven Argentine models, we are accelerating Jigawa’s transition from subsistence agriculture to a commercial, export oriented livestock and forage hub.”
The governor is accompanied by key technical officials from the state.
The mission is expected to culminate in formal joint ventures and technical partnerships, with immediate pilot implementation at El Meena Farms and across designated agricultural clusters in Jigawa State, aligning Nigeria’s sub national agribusiness ambitions with global supply chains.