Strengthening Agricultural Transformation:
Strengthening Agricultural Transformation: JATA Pays Courtesy Visit to IAR for Strategic Partnership
Today, 20th April 2026, the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, received a high-level delegation from the Jigawa Agricultural Transformation Agency (JATA) on a courtesy visit aimed at strengthening collaboration for agricultural development in Jigawa State.
The Director General of JATA, Dr. Saifullahi Umar, was ably represented by Dr. Imam Isah Musa, Director of Delivery at JATA. He was accompanied by Baushe Mohammed, Lead (Production and Productivity Enhancement), JATA. The delegation paid the visit to the Executive Director of IAR, Prof. Ado Yusuf, to explore opportunities for strategic partnership, particularly in the areas of improved seed supply and farmer capacity building across the 27 Local Government Areas of Jigawa State.
During the meeting, both institutions engaged in productive discussions on how the vast research outputs of IAR, especially its improved crop varieties and agricultural technologies, can be effectively deployed to support farmers in Jigawa State. The partnership is expected to focus on improving access to high-yielding seeds, strengthening extension services, and building the technical capacity of farmers to enhance productivity, resilience, and sustainable agricultural practices.
The Executive Director of IAR, Prof. Ado Yusuf, warmly welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to supporting state governments and agricultural development agencies through research-driven solutions. He emphasized that collaboration between research institutions and implementing agencies such as JATA is critical for translating scientific innovations into practical benefits for farmers.
The visit was described as both fruitful and timely, highlighting a strong call to duty and commitment toward agricultural transformation, especially considering that the Executive Director of IAR hails from Jigawa State. The discussions underscored a shared vision to leverage IAR’s expertise in seed development, technology dissemination, and farmer training to accelerate agricultural productivity and food security in the state.
Also present at the meeting from IAR were Prof. L. J. Bamaiyi, Assistant Director Research; Prof. A. I. Sharifai, Assistant Director Extension, Monitoring and Evaluation; Dr. Ado Doguwa Yakubu, IAR Seed Manager; and Dr. Sharhabil Musa Yahaya, Head of the Agricultural Extension Unit.
The visit marks an important step toward building a strong partnership that will support farmers, improve seed systems, and enhance agricultural productivity across Jigawa State.
Together, advancing research, empowering farmers, and transforming agriculture.
Share This News