By Muhammad Zangina Kura.
National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has signed agreement with some partners in Jigawa state for rising over 5 million date palm seedlings for planting accross 11 state of the federation.
The Director General of the Agency, Mr Saleh Abubakar revealed this when he paid a courtesy visit to the emir of Dutse Alhaji Hameem Nuhu Sanusi at his palace.
He said, they were in Jigawa state to inspect some of the farms used for nursing the seedlings as all arrangements have been concluded for distributing it to individual.
The DG added that, beside using tree planting for tackling erosion, global warming and other environmental degradation they are also using it for empowerment, poverty eradication, jobs creation and enhancing National food security.
Mr Saleh explained that, the date palm seedlings wil be distributed to 250,000 people,as a token of empowerment, each person will be given 20 date palm seedlings and within three years it is expected to start producing yeilds ( Date-not).
“Date is an economic tree, and we estimated to be generating N300 billion annually, along with different value chain, therefore we have confidence this project will help in building efficient environment growth and sustainable development”
In his remarks the emir of Dutse His Highness Alhaji Hameem Nuhu Sanusi commended the agency for initiative which has an expanded advantage including environmental and economic.
Speaking one of the partners whose farm were used for rising the Date seedlings , Alhaji Mustapha Ameen (Danamar of Dutse Emirate) said, they have over 170 species of date palm, out of which the Great Green Wall Agency selected appropriate variety for each of 11 beneficiaries state of the country.
Mr Aminu assured the Agency their commitment to produce and rise as many as possible seedlings when ever the agency requested.
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