The Katsina government has vowed to intensify efforts to provide irrigation farmers with inputs and extension services to boost agricultural productivity and create jobs for the people.
The Managing Director of the Katsina State Irrigation Development Authority, Abdulkadir Mamman-Nasir, communicated this while briefing journalists on the mandate of the newly created authority on Tuesday in Katsina.
He stated that the authority was created in October 2023 to improve dry-season farming and increase agricultural productivity.
According to Mr Mamman-Nasir, the government aims to use irrigation to benefit the entire population, as 95 percent of the population are farmers.
He mentioned that the government would collect data from all stakeholders to enhance their operations and better serve the farmers.
Mr Mamman-Nasir said the authority would also visit irrigation sites to assess their functionality and efficiency.
He explained that the government would sink tube wells where necessary to ensure sufficient water for irrigation in Katsina.
He emphasized that they would give more emphasis to extension services to strengthen farmers’ capacity for enhanced productivity.
Mr Mamman-Nasir said the government would provide farmers with adequate information about water usage to minimize losses due to inadequate water.
He added that such activities would help create jobs for people and prevent rural-urban migration among the youth.
Mr Mamman-Nasir also mentioned that this initiative would go a long way in reducing the insecurity challenges facing the state and parts of the country.
