The Jigawa Government says it will convert conventional irrigation pumps to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered pumps to reduce farmers’ production costs.
Gov. Umar Namadi said this on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by Ismaeel Ahmed, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV).
He said the state government was expanding its collaboration with the initiative to develop alternative energy infrastructure to support irrigation and agricultural production.
The governor said energy costs accounted for more than 50 per cent of farm expenditure, making agriculture less attractive.
“As of today, energy costs constitute more than 50 per cent of the operating expenses of our farmers,” he said.
Namadi said converting irrigation pumps from conventional energy sources to CNG would complement government subsidies on agricultural inputs and reduce the financial burden on farmers.
“On this initiative, the state government is ready to bear the cost of conversion for the targeted farms. For us, going into CNG is a matter of necessity,” he said.
According to Namadi, the intervention would support the state government’s dry-season wheat and rice cultivation programmes, strengthen food security and boost agricultural productivity.
He said his administration had targeted 500,000 hectares of land for wheat and rice cultivation, with an estimated annual output of four million tonnes by 2030.
Namadi said the state government would provide land and other necessary support to facilitate the smooth implementation of the initiative, including partnerships with investors.
Earlier, Ahmed described Jigawa as strategically positioned for the expansion of CNG infrastructure, citing its location, land availability and the government’s interest in alternative energy development.
He said the initiative was discussing plans with investors to establish a major alternative energy hub in the state to serve vehicles and transporters operating along major routes.
The chairman said the initiative, in collaboration with the Jigawa Government, would establish 30 centres and electric vehicle charging infrastructure to expand CNG conversion facilities in the state as part of its broader alternative energy programme.
