Maltina has announced that it plans to create employment opportunities for more than 20,000 farmers in Jigawa State by 2030 through a new initiative aimed at expanding barley cultivation and strengthening local economies.
The programme, launched under the theme “Scaling Local Barley and Empowering Communities,” is designed to support farmers in adopting modern farming techniques while reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported barley seeds.
The company’s Director of Supply Chain, Federico Agressi, said the initiative was introduced to encourage farmers to adopt improved agricultural practices that will increase crop yields and boost the economic development of rural communities.
He noted that Nigeria currently imports about 200,000 tonnes of barley annually, with the country spending approximately 150 million dollars on importing the crop from abroad.
According to him, the goal of the programme is to produce the crop locally, thereby reducing the cost of imports while ensuring sustainable development for farmers.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the company, Tibo Brochain, said the programme forms part of the company’s broader commitment to creating jobs and promoting agricultural development in Nigeria.
He added that the initiative has already begun in several states including Bauchi, Kano, Plateau, Gombe, Yobe and Jigawa, where farmers are being supported to expand local barley production.
Brochain also expressed appreciation to research institutions, private sector partners and government agencies for their support in ensuring the success of the programme.
Also speaking, Dutel Ambassador, Bengt Van-L, said the initiative aims to position Nigeria among the leading countries in barley production if such collaboration between farmers and private sector organizations continues.
The Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar Namadi, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Muttaka Namadi, described the programme as a major opportunity for the state, which is well known for its agricultural activities.
He said the state government welcomes the initiative because it will help create more jobs, strengthen farmers’ livelihoods and increase agricultural productivity.
He also commended Maltina for the initiative, noting that farmers in the state are excited about the opportunities it will create to improve their income.
Similarly, the Emir of Ringim, Alhaji Sayyadi Abubakar Mahmoud (CON), represented by the Madakin Ringim, Alhaji Bashir Sha’aibu, called on farmers to fully support the company in order to ensure the success of the programme.
The Chairman of Ringim Farmers, Dr. Mujitapha Ubaye, also stated that farmers are fully prepared to do their best to produce even more barley than expected.
The launch event was attended by representatives of agricultural research institutions, government agencies and several dignitaries from different parts of Nigeria.
