Jigawa Launches Alfalfa Feed Production Project

The Jigawa State Government has launched a livestock feed production project with plans to cultivate alfalfa grass on 100,000 hectares of farmland.

The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Salem Abduraman, said the project follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2025 between the state government and Elmina Farms for the cultivation of alfalfa for local use and export.

He said the project will operate under a special purpose vehicle structure, with the state government holding 35 percent equity, private investors 45 percent and host communities 15 percent.

Abduraman said the project will begin with a 1,000-hectare pilot phase using 20 pivot irrigation systems covering 50 hectares each, while soil evaluation is ongoing.

He said the initiative is aimed at improving livestock feed supply and increasing livestock productivity in the state.

The commissioner said soil and water assessments are being carried out by experts from the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, while technology systems are being deployed to monitor the project.

He said land clearing will begin after soil tests, with full production expected to start in November.

Abduraman added that the project is expected to create jobs and improve access to livestock feed in the state.