NAQS enlists Kano farmers in mass cultivation of pigeon pea

Vincent Isegbe, co-ordinating director, Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), has enlisted the support of the Kano state government in encouraging farmers in the state embrace the cultivation of pigeon pea.

Isegbe said the cultivation of the crop has tremendous economic potential which his agency intends initiating farmers across the country into a planned and massive production programme.

“Kano farmers can b able to key into the $100b pigeon pea Indian export deal recently negotiated with the Nigeria government” Isegbe disclosed during his visit to Governor Umar Abdullahi Ganduje at the Aminu Kano Lodge, Asokoro in Abuja.

The director described pigeon pea as an emerging export commodity which should not be ignored by states with huge agricultural potentials, such as Kano.

Consequently, he stressed the need for repositioning the Mallam Aminu Kano International airport for easy and expedited export of agricultural commodities while promising that his agency would do all in its powers to help farmers attain international standard in the commodity yield.

The director suggested that Kano state government can opt to serve as the buyer of the produce so as to have leverage of better negotiation and coordination of its export.

Responding, Governor Ganduje expressed appreciation to the agricultural agency for the recognition and promised to work out the details of the discussion with the Kano state Ministry of Agriculture, which has been collaborating with the agency.

The governor further thanked the team for their effort in seeking to strengthen agro production to meet the international market standard.

A major highlight of the meeting was the presentation of NAQS Outstanding Achievement Award to Governor Ganduje in recognition of his contribution in Agro-production for export trade, which is in line with Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda.

By  Adeola Ajakaiye, Kano