…Gov says agriculture remains backbone of state economy
“Farmers Now Have Better Access To Farmlands Under Radda”—AFAN
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, has announced plans to establish an Agricultural Research Institute in the state to improve farming inputs, research and modern agricultural technologies.
The Governor made the disclosure on Monday while receiving the leadership of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, Katsina Chapter, led by Hon. Ya’u Umar Gwajo-Gwajo at Government House, Katsina.
Governor Radda said Katsina has the human resources to run the institution, and cited Jigawa State as a model. He added that about 90 per cent of Katsina residents are directly or indirectly engaged in farming and livestock production.
“Agriculture is the backbone of the livelihood of our people. Whenever Allah blesses someone with leadership, one of the best things to do is to support farmers,” he said.
The Governor, who said he grew up rearing goats to support his education, noted that farming in the state is shifting from traditional to mechanised methods. He listed tractors, power tillers, irrigation, improved seeds, fertiliser and extension services as key areas of investment.
To strengthen extension services, Governor Radda said his administration recruited two extension workers from each of the 34 local government areas and equipped them with motorcycles and knapsack sprayers. Two persons from each of the 361 wards are also being trained on improved practices, especially quality seed production.
He further disclosed that the government has procured tractors and power tillers, and is investing in solar-powered irrigation. He approved the construction of 3,000 boreholes across the state to support dry-season farming and communities.
“We are taking fertiliser distribution to the grassroots, even to polling-unit level, and before the rains. That is how farmers can get the best result,” he said.
Governor Radda also said the government plans to revive the cotton industry in Funtua and support the production of moringa, sesame, soybean, sorghum and Zobo. He added that processing and value-addition centres will be set up in farming communities to create jobs and increase income.
On livestock, the Governor revealed that women have benefited from goat distribution, and that a modern meat-processing facility will be established in Katsina to process livestock locally and create employment. He said the model was drawn from his visits to South Africa and Brazil.
He assured farmers that government would address challenges in watermelon, rice, orange-fleshed sweet potato and livestock production.
Earlier, AFAN Chairman, Hon. Gwajo-Gwajo, commended the administration for improving access to farmlands in areas like Faskari, Dan Musa and Batsari, and for timely fertiliser distribution. He requested a farmers’ communication centre and help with diseases affecting watermelon.
Also speaking, Cassava Farmers Association Chairman, Hassan Yunusa Yan Marke, said improved cassava varieties have raised yields from 20 to 30 tonnes per hectare. He confirmed that the Batsari cassava processing plant promised by the Governor when he was DG of SMEDAN is now being implemented.
AFAN, he said, has resolved to mobilise 500,000 votes for Governor Radda and President Bola Tinubu in appreciation of their support for agriculture.
The Potato Farmers’ Leader urged more investment in potato and Zobo processing, and called for drying facilities in Charanchi, Kaita, Mashi, Baure and Daura. He also asked for more farmland for farming communities.
Women Livestock Farmers’ Representative, Hajiya Binta Ibrahim, thanked the Governor for the goat distribution to women, saying it has improved household incomes. She appealed for a second phase of the programme.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Faruk Lawal Jobe; Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Aliyu Lawal Shargalle; and other top officials.
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