In a historic move to revolutionise agriculture in Katsina State, Governor Dikko Radda has disbursed farm tools worth over N8.28 billion to farmers across the state.
The initiative is part of the administration’s efforts to boost food security, enhance productivity, and support sustainable agricultural development.
The distribution ceremony at the Katsina People’s Square marked the launch of the 2024/2025 dry season farming programme.
The package includes 48,000 bags of assorted fertiliser, 4,000 power tillers, and 4,000 solar-powered water pumps.
The governor emphasised the importance of empowering farmers to tackle the challenges of food insecurity.
“This investment underscores our commitment to supporting agriculture as the backbone of our economy and a key driver of poverty alleviation. Our administration is determined to ensure that Katsina remains a leading state in agricultural productivity.”
he said.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, agriculture and food security minister, graced the event and praised the state for achieving remarkable agricultural milestones.
Katsina recorded a 99.74% success rate in the 2023/2024 dry season wheat cultivation and met 100 per cent of its targets in the second phase of dry season farming under the federal government’s FMAFS-NAGS-Agro Pocket Input Support Programme.
“Katsina is setting an example for other states with its commitment to agriculture. Governor Radda’s initiative aligns perfectly with the federal government’s renewed hope agenda and the state of emergency on food security declared by President Bola Tinubu,” Kyari noted.
To ensure transparency and effectiveness, the commissioner for agriculture and livestock development, Ahmed Mohamed Bakori, stated that mechanisms have been implemented to monitor beneficiaries and prevent the resale of farm tools. He expressed optimism that the intervention would double farming outputs in the coming seasons.
Governor Radda also highlighted plans to invest over N30 billion in Katsina’s agricultural sector to address irrigation challenges and improve infrastructure. He noted that his recent visit to China was part of efforts to secure international partnerships for agricultural transformation in the state.
