Maiduguri — The Borno State government has signed a partnership agreement with the Republic of Sudan, as part of the efforts to boost Gum Arabic production.

Borno State Governor, Alhaji Mala Kachallah, announced this at the weekend in Maiduguri during an interactive session with newsmen.

He said that the state government has set aside N20 million for the project, adding that the plantation will cover an area of 48 square kilometres in all the 27 local government areas. In addition, he revealed that the state will distribute standard Gum Arabic seedlings to farmers in all the producing areas of the state at no cost.

Kachallah, explained that the venture is in demonstration of the government's preparation to be the best Gum Arabic seedling producer in the world, and to date, the state is only second to Sudan in the production of Gum Arabic seedlings.

Under the ongoing plan, the governor explained that about 34 million seedlings would be raised and distributed yearly until the target of 40 million seedlings was realised.

In the first phase of the programme, about eight kilometres of land would be cultivated, adding that the purpose is also aimed at creating job opportunities to the unemployed youths.

Besides, he said, the Gum Arabic plantation would help in the fight against desertification, because its roots stabilise the soil.

Similarly, the governor announced that two industries would be established in Azare, the headquarters of Hawul Local Government Area, and another one in Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area.

All the industries, he explained, are to process tomatoes and pepper which are produced in abundance in the area, and noted that it will add more value to the farmers.

On the persistent water scarcity in the state, the governor attributed the scarcity to the erratic power supply in the state but informed that the state has already put machinery in place to tackle the issue.