The Jigawa Government in Nigeria says some farmers in the state have begun to grow a Chinese brand of potato in four local government areas.
Alhaji Hamza Muhammad, Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Affairs and Social Inclusion, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Dutse.
He said that out of the 60 hectares earmarked for the pilot scheme in the four local government areas, 56 hectares have been cultivated.
He said that the first participants include farmers from Gwaram, Kirikasamma, Kazaure and Dutse local government areas of the state.
According to him, the potato, which was planted in September, would be harvested in January 2018.
Muhammad explained further that with the introduction of the new variety of potato by the state government, farmers could plant and harvest potatoes three times annually.
Muhammad said “We want to engage our farmers in agricultural production all year round, that is to say they farm during rainy, dry seasons and harmattan period.
“And that is why the government will continue to introduce different varieties of crops to our farmers for cultivation.”
Source: www.thenewsnigeria.com
