Katsina State Governor, Diko Radda, has commenced the first phase of an empowerment programme for 2,040 irrigation farmers across the 34 Local Government Area, LGAs, of the state.
The programme, tagged ‘Dry Season Agriculture Initiative Programme’, kicked off on Wednesday, at Gwaigwaye irrigation site in Dikke ward, Funtua LGA, where Governor Diko stated that the empowerment programme was to “rejuvenate agriculture and enhance food security” in the state, with the provision of free dry season inputs.
According to him, the administration’s commitment to agricultural development is to recognise farming as a crucial driver of economic growth.
He noted that the programme’s potential is “to reduce poverty, create jobs, and boost the state’s revenue.”
The significance, he elaborated, of proper farming techniques is through training and deployment of extension officers to guide farmers for optimal results.
While commending all involved stakeholders, Radda then called on local government chairmen in the state to replicate the programme, emphasizing its non-partisan nature.
The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Ahmed Mohammed-Bakori, said the 2,040 farmers would receive support with improved seeds, fertilizer, and pesticide chemicals.
He highlighted the state government’s investment in “irrigation infrastructure, including 204 tube wells and solar-powered water pumping machines at various sites.”
In his own remarks, the Chairman of Kaita LGA, Alhaji Lawal Bello, who is also the Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Katsina chapter, lauded the gesture.
He pledged diligent monitoring by Council Chairmen to ensure the effective utilisation of the inputs for improved food production and security in the state.
