The Katsina State Government has flagged off the distribution of essential farm inputs to farmers across the state’s 34 local government areas for the 2024/2025 dry season farming.
Speaking at the ceremony on Monday, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda announced the distribution of 80 trucks of assorted fertilisers, 4,000 power tillers, and 4,000 solar water pumps to farmers.
However, the initiative is part of the state’s efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure food security.
Governor Radda highlighted the success of the 2024 cropping season, which yielded a bumper harvest, as evidence of the state’s commitment to achieving food security.
He reiterated the government’s prioritisation of agriculture as a cornerstone of Katsina’s economy, aiming to boost GDP, generate internal revenue, create jobs, and improve livelihoods.
“Our strategic partnerships with organisations such as NG-CARES, IFAD-VCN, RAAMP, ACReSAL, IsDB, and AfDB-SAPZII have attracted significant investment into value addition, agro-processing, and financial inclusion, which are transforming the agricultural landscape of Katsina,” Radda said.
The farm machinery provided, including solar-powered water pumps, aims to reduce farm drudgery and enhance farmers’ resilience.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, commended Katsina State for its proactive efforts.
He noted that the interventions, including modern implements and renewable energy-based water pumps, would ensure increased agricultural output and promote sustainable farming practices.
“Katsina is setting an example for other states by leveraging renewable energy and sustainable practices to boost agriculture while contributing to Nigeria’s carbon credit,” Kyari said.
The minister also acknowledged Katsina’s high success rates in recent farming seasons, achieving 99.74% success during the 2023/2024 dry season wheat cultivation and 98.23% during the 2024 wet season farming under the Federal Government’s NAGS-Agro Pocket Input Support Programme.