Jigawa State Partners with Indian Firm for $10 Million Poultry Hatchery

The Jigawa State Government has entered into a joint venture agreement worth $10 million with India’s Srinivasa Farms Private Limited. This partnership aims to create a modern poultry hatchery that will provide day-old chicks to local farmers. The announcement was made on Friday by Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Umar Namadi.

Under the agreement, Srinivasa Farms will own 60% of the hatchery, while the Jigawa State Government will hold the remaining 40%. This facility is expected to be the first of its kind in Northern Nigeria. Governor Namadi expressed optimism that this investment would benefit poultry farmers and enhance food security in the region.

Namadi stated, “I am confident that this project will revolutionise the poultry industry, not only in Jigawa State and Northern Nigeria, but across the country.” He highlighted that the partnership followed a visit by state officials to Srinivasa Farms in India, where they learned about the company’s support for small farmers.

The agreement includes training and technical support for local poultry farmers, aiming to improve their production and business practices. The hatchery deal is one of five partnerships the state is pursuing to boost agricultural investment and create job opportunities.

Senthil Kumar Krishnan, Vice-President of Srinivasa Farms, noted that the project would empower rural communities and enhance poultry production. Currently, farmers in Jigawa often rely on chicks transported from far away, which can affect their health during long journeys. By producing chicks locally, the hatchery will help solve these issues.

Professor Salim Abdurrahman Lawal, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, emphasized that the new hatchery would reduce transportation distances and improve the supply of day-old chicks. The government also plans to set up delivery services and involve young people in the distribution process, along with a support scheme for farmers.