Borno Govt targets export of sesame, other cash crops

The Borno government is working towards attaining food sufficiency and the export of cash crops and other farm products such as maize and cassava, among others.

Gov. Babagana Zulum made thisknown Wednesday when he visited the Bokkoiri irrigation farm along Magumeri Road in Konduga Local Government Area.

Zulüm said that the state has the capacity to export maize, cassava, and sesame, among other cash crops, aimed at attaining self-reliance.

He said the government would focus on investing in irrigation agriculture to maximise food production in the state.

“Let’s carefully put things in order. Borno State will start exporting sesame and other cash crops in the near future.

“We will subsequently change focus and invest our resources in irrigation farming for adequate food production. I assure you that we will provide the political will needed to achieve food sufficiency,” Zulum said.

He said that the scheme, covering about 20 hectares of land, aimed to produce 364 tonnes of maize and sesame in one crop cycle. With three cycles per year, the Koiri scheme is targeted to cultivate over 1,092 tonnes of maize and other crops annually.

The governor directed that the ministry expand the scheme to 300 hectares, 100 each, in thethree senatorial zones.

“We need to expand our scope. We should identify bigger land; we can expand with another 100 hectares each in Borno Central, South, and North.

“My predecessor has procured about 10,000 hectares of drip irrigation kits. After this year’s rainy season, we hope the state will be able to cultivate at least 1000 hectares,” he added.

Zulum was accompanied on the visit by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijjani, the Commissioners for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Bawu Musami, the Minister of Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, and members of the agriculture transformation team, among other government officials.