Jigawa Signs $10m Deal with Indian Firm to Boost Poultry Farming

The Jigawa State Government has signed a $10 million joint-venture agreement with India's Srinivasa Farms Private Limited to establish a modern poultry hatchery aimed at improving chick supply and strengthening poultry farming across Northern Nigeria.

Signed on October 23, 2026, the agreement gives Srinivasa Farms a 60 per cent stake in the venture, with the state government holding the remaining 40 per cent. The proposed facility is expected to be the first modern hatchery of its kind in Northern Nigeria.

The project seeks to address a major challenge for poultry farmers in the region: obtaining quality day-old chicks from production centres located far from their farms.

According to Jigawa State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Professor Salim Abdurrahman Lawal, some farmers rely on supplies transported between 1,200 and 1,500 kilometres from Southern Nigeria. These long journeys can increase transportation costs and expose newly hatched birds to prolonged transit.

The proposed hatchery could shorten delivery distances, improve access to chicks and help farmers manage their production more efficiently.

Lower Costs and Better Access to Supplies

Lawal estimates that the facility could reduce transportation distances within Jigawa to approximately 150 kilometres or less, depending on farmers' locations.

Shorter routes could lower delivery expenses and reduce the difficulties associated with transporting young birds over long distances. However, the extent to which these savings translate into lower prices will depend on production costs, distribution arrangements and the hatchery's pricing policy.

Local production could also make chick supplies more predictable, helping farmers plan their production cycles and respond to demand for eggs and poultry meat.

The partnership includes training and technical support for smallholder farmers, covering aspects of poultry production and farm management. Such assistance could help farmers improve feeding, hygiene, brooding and disease prevention.

Jobs and Food Security

The investment could generate economic opportunities beyond poultry farms. The Jigawa State Government has indicated plans to establish delivery facilities and involve young people in distributing day-old chicks, potentially creating jobs in transportation and distribution.

Businesses supplying poultry feed, veterinary products and farming equipment could also benefit if the project supports the expansion of local poultry production.

More reliable access to chicks could help farmers maintain production and contribute to the supply of eggs and chicken meat. However, these benefits will depend on the hatchery becoming operational, maintaining quality standards and providing supplies at affordable prices.

Implementation Will Determine Success

According to reports, Governor Umar Namadi described the agreement as an important step in Jigawa's agricultural transformation efforts and linked it to the broader goal of strengthening food security.

The partnership followed engagements with Srinivasa Farms, including a visit by a state delegation to the company's facilities in India.

The agreement brings together public investment and private-sector expertise to address challenges in the poultry supply chain. Its success will depend on effective implementation, reliable distribution and sustained support for farmers.

As of October 26, 2026, publicly reported information has not established a confirmed opening date, production capacity or final prices for chicks from the proposed facility.

Farmers will need clear information about when supplies will become available, how to access them and what they will cost.

If successfully implemented, the project could strengthen Jigawa's poultry industry, improve access to essential production inputs and create opportunities for farmers and related businesses across Northern Nigeria. Ultimately, its impact will be measured by whether it delivers affordable supplies, improves productivity and creates lasting economic benefits.