Katsina State Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe has assured citizens and residents of Katsina that the State Government will continue to make significant investments in agriculture, livestock and water resources to achieve its development strategy.
Addressing a press conference at the 4th edition of the monthly press briefing focusing on Agriculture, Livestock and water resources development,Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe outlined the administration’s achievements and ongoing initiatives in these critical sectors.
“As you are aware, our administration remains steadfast in its mission to drive sustainable development across all sectors of human endeavors. Through a well-defined strategic policy framework ‘Building Your Future’, we are achieving remarkable progress in transforming the lives of our people and enhancing economic activities in every part of the State,” stated Deputy Governor Lawal.
“The government has carefully designed and is diligently implementing a series of programs aimed at ensuring sustainable development and prosperity for all,” he declared.
The Deputy Governor revealed that “in a bid to ensure sufficient supply of agricultural inputs and implements to enhance Agricultural yield by farmers across the State, the sum of N386,108,058:50 was expended under the Farmers Supply Company Ltd (FASCOKT).”
He further explained that “the agency has undertaken the repairs of warehouses for storage of seeds, chemicals and agricultural implements in Funtua and Daura in addition to repairs of one service centre. Assorted agrochemicals and improved seeds were also purchased and distributed to farmers.”
Addressing livestock development initiatives, Deputy Governor Lawal emphasized that “this administration has also injected adequate resources aimed at improving Livestock and Grazing Reserves activities in the State.”
“In order to improve the economic viability of our Rural Communities, government has earmarked funds amounting to N5,777,502,806.16 for purchase and distribution of 32,490 heads of goat under ‘The Goat Rearing Initiative Programme,” he elaborated.
The Deputy Governor provided details of this initiative, noting, “This laudable programme which is on-going includes among others, 4 goats each for 10 women and 50 heads of goat for large scale herder, making a total of 90 heads of goat for each of the 361 wards in the State. This package also consists of the provision of bags of wheat offal, mineral salt lick, and up-keep of the goats to ensure effective breeding.”
He continued, “The second component of the programme is multiplication and genetic improvement in which 3,000 heads of goat are for breeding purposes through artificial insemination for the period of one year at Ladanawa Farm Centre. 70 hectares has also been allocated for pasture development and provision of animal houses to provide a conducive environment for the animals. All these activities mentioned are part of the N5.7bn ‘Goat Rearing Initiative Programme’.”
Speaking further, Deputy Governor Jobe stated that “The department has also within the period under review expended the sum of N796,608,450.05 for the conduct of numerous livestock and grazing activities. These include the annual mass vaccination exercises State-wide, anthrax prevention and control vaccination campaigns at Jibia, Mai’adua, Baure, Batsari, Danmusa, Faskari, Sabuwa, Dandume, Sandamu and Musawa Local Governments among others.”
On the administration’s commitment to year-round agricultural productivity, the Deputy Governor stated, “This administration is committed to ensuring an all-year-round farming activity across the State. Accordingly, the Katsina State Irrigation Development Authority (KTIDA) was established for the purpose of enhancing irrigation farming activities in the State.”
He explained that “Irrigation farming received significant attention through the strengthening of dry season vegetable farming, which was conducted across the State in collaboration with 34 Local Governments. In the same vein, a total of N8,281,340,000:00 was expended by the agency for the procurement and distribution of 4,000 powered tillers, 4,000 solar powered pumps and 48,000 cartons of chemical fertilizers for 2024/2025 dry season farming among others.”
“Similarly, 6 tractor drill machines, 3 wheeled air compressors and 1 cutter suction dredger were procured at the cost of N3,303,027,000:00 for dredging of earth dams and drilling of boreholes for irrigation activities across the State,” he added.
The Deputy Governor particularly noted, “Minor and emergency repairs of embankments/spillways were also carried out in Daberam, Bakori and Sagawa dams.”
“The Authority has also undertaken a pre-feasibility assessment for data gathering for the viability to establish an integrated community re-settlement plan in Danja Local Government and Kwanar Area in Rimi Local Government Area,” he said.
Press Released Signed By Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State
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