The Jigawa Commissioner of Environment, Ibrahim Chaichai, on Tuesday says the state will intensify cultivation of jatropha and Gum Arabic to fast track erosion and desertification control.
The state government planned to establish 850 hectres woodlots of jatropha and Gum Arabic at Yarda and Kanjuwa Forests in Kaugama Local Government Area of the state.
The woodlot is part of a comprehensive programme to protect the environment, encourage cash crop production, diversify the economy and boost state revenue base
Chaichai made the disclosure at Yarda and Kanjuwa towns while inspecting assets and parastatals under the ministry in the state.
He noted that improved cultivation of the cash crops would increase the state Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and assist in minimizing environmental degradation.
“Gum Arabic is a money spinner that is used in cosmetic, textile and paint production, while jatropha is a source of bio-fuel and has enormous medicinal benefits,” Chaichai said.
Also speaking, Alassan Bako, Director, Forestry in the ministry, said the ministry was partnering with the Federal Ministry of Environment to improve cultivation of jatropha and Gum Arabic in the state.
Bako said through the partnership, 600 hectares of jatropha and 250 hectares of Gum Arabic would soon be planted in Yarda and Kanjuwa Forests.
He noted that Gum Arabic and jatropha plantation would serve as shelter-belt to control erosion, desertification and enhance grazing activities.
