The Farmers Supply Company Katsina (FASCOKT), in collaboration with the Cotton Producers and Merchants Association of Nigeria (COPMAN), has commenced the distribution of subsidised cotton seeds to 1,000 farmers across Katsina State in a bid to boost cotton cultivation during the ongoing farming season.
The programme, officially flagged off on Saturday in Malumfashi, is aimed at improving farmers’ access to high-quality cotton seeds at reduced prices while encouraging increased production across the state.
Speaking during the inauguration, the General Manager of FASCOKT, Mustapha Radda, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to making quality agricultural inputs readily available and affordable for farmers.
He explained that the initiative, backed by the Katsina State Government, provides a 50 per cent subsidy on cotton seeds to stimulate greater participation in cotton farming during the current planting season.
Mr Radda expressed optimism that the intervention would increase cotton output, raise farmers’ earnings and contribute to the growth of the state’s cotton value chain.
He also applauded the administration of Governor Dikko Radda for its continued investment in agriculture through the provision of farm inputs and other support programmes designed to improve productivity.
The Chairman of COPMAN in Katsina State, Abdurasheed Lawal, said the initiative demonstrates the association’s dedication to supporting cotton producers and restoring the prominence of the state’s cotton industry.
Represented by the association’s Public Relations Officer, Abdulsalam Musa-Kafur, Mr Lawal encouraged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the seeds and adopt improved agronomic practices to maximise their harvests.
The State Coordinator of the Agricultural Department Unit (ADPU), Dr Suleiman Umar, described the collaboration between FASCOKT and COPMAN as a significant step towards revitalising cotton production in the state.
Represented by the Director of Mechanisation, Yusuf Ibrahim, the coordinator urged farmers to embrace modern agricultural techniques to improve productivity and yields.
In his goodwill message, the Vice Chairman of Malumfashi Local Government Council, Muntari Adamu-Dayi, described the intervention as timely and beneficial to farmers.
He encouraged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the subsidised seeds to strengthen cotton production in Katsina State and across northern Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Galadiman Katsina, Justice Sadiq Abdullahi-Mahuta, represented by Sarkin Fulani, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi, expressed confidence that the programme would enhance cotton farming, improve productivity and further develop the cotton value chain.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, the women’s leader, Jamila Yahaya, and Alhaji Mika Mu’azu expressed appreciation to FASCOKT and COPMAN for introducing the initiative.
They said the intervention would help lower production costs and pledged to utilise the seeds effectively to increase cotton production.
