Jigawa State Signs $10 Million Deal with Indian Firm for New Hatchery

Jigawa State Government has signed a $10 million agreement with India’s Srinivasa Farms Private Limited. This deal aims to set up a modern hatchery in Jigawa as part of the state’s efforts to improve agriculture.

Under this agreement, Srinivasa Farms will own 60 percent of the venture, while Jigawa State Government will have 40 percent. The hatchery will be the first of its kind in Northern Nigeria.

Governor Malam Umar Namadi led the signing ceremony. He called the partnership a significant step in transforming agriculture in the state. He believes it will create new chances for poultry farmers.

“I am confident that this project will revolutionize the poultry industry, not only in Jigawa State and Northern Nigeria but across the country. It is also part of our efforts to support the federal government’s agenda on food security,” the governor said.

He explained that the partnership came after meetings with Srinivasa Farms and a visit to their facilities in India. The state delegation saw how they operate and support smallholder farmers.

“The way the company empowers smallholder farmers, helping them to grow and establish sustainable businesses, greatly impressed us. We believe that Jigawa State has many poultry farmers who have struggled year after year, facing several challenges and making losses.

“With this joint venture, I believe the poultry industry will thrive in Jigawa State, Insha Allah.”

The agreement includes training, technical guidance, and other support for smallholder poultry farmers. This will help them improve their production and business.

The governor noted that this hatchery agreement is one of five partnerships being pursued after his visit to India. This is part of the state government’s plan to attract investment, strengthen agricultural value chains, and create jobs for young people.

Srinivasa Farms’ Vice President, Mr. Senthil Kumar Krishnan, also spoke about the project. He said the joint venture will focus on helping rural communities and improving poultry production through technical support and quality products.

He pointed out that farmers in Jigawa often rely on day-old chicks from far away, including Kaduna. This long transport time can affect the quality of the chicks when they arrive.

“By producing the chicks locally, we will be able to address these challenges. We will work with the government to provide the best possible support to farmers so that they can obtain quality chicks when they need them.

“Beyond supplying the chicks, we will also extend technical support to farmers, guiding them on how to raise the birds and achieve better results. Better production performance will translate into improved profitability for farmers. That is our main target.”

Additionally, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Professor Salim Abdurrahman Lawal, mentioned that this investment will tackle some major issues facing poultry farmers, especially the high cost and unreliable supply of day-old chicks.

He explained that many chicks come from southern Nigeria, traveling distances of about 1,200 to 1,500 kilometers. “This long journey affects their condition and slows their response to feeding,” he said.

With the new hatchery in Jigawa, he noted that transport distances would be greatly reduced. No location in the state is expected to be more than about 150 kilometers from the facility.

“We have also made plans to establish delivery facilities and involve young people in the distribution of these day-old chicks. The state government has further indicated its commitment to providing a support scheme that will offer relief to farmers in the course of production.”

The agreement was signed by Professor Salim Abdurrahman Lawal on behalf of the Jigawa State Government. Mr. Senthil Kumar Krishnan signed for Srinivasa Farms Private Limited.