The Katsina State government has expressed its readiness to spend N30 billion on irrigation farming to boost its agricultural sector.
The Governor of the state, Dikko Radda made the announcement on Monday, shortly after his return from a one-month vacation, adding that he was back to move the state forward.
Mr Radda said the aim is to boost irrigation and ensure that farmers can farm throughout the year instead of farming only during the rainy season.
He said part of the amount would be utilised for the setting of agricultural mechanised centres in each of the 34 local government areas in the state.
The governor added that the centres would be used to train farmers on modern agricultural techniques and supply them with agricultural facilities.
On his visit to China, the governor said it aimed to foster partnerships and investments to develop the Katsina state agricultural sector.
“With about 90 per cent of our population engaged in farming, these collaborations will significantly benefit our people and boost our state’s economy,” Mr Radda stated.
The governor also revealed his plans to embark on a tour across the three senatorial zones in the state to engage stakeholders on community priority-based projects.
According to him, the tour, which will include town hall meetings, is aimed at ensuring that government policies align with the needs and aspirations of the people.
He said his administration was doing its best to reduce peoples’ hardship, especially through his various empowerment programmes.
The governor reiterated his sympathy for victims of banditry attacks in the state and promised increased government commitment to addressing security challenges.
He said his administration planned to recruit and train young men from selected local governments for the Katsina Security Watch Corps, reinforcing the state’s security apparatus.