Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has launched a massive agricultural support programme, distributing 48,000 bags of fertilizers, 4,000 power tillers and 4,000 solar water pumps to farmers across the state, amounting to N8,281,340.000.00
The programme, held today at People’s Square, Muhammadu Buhari House, Katsina , marks the beginning of the 2024/2025 dry season farming cycle, building on the success of last year’s initiative that supported 2,040 farmers across 34 local government areas.
Governor Radda, in his speech noted that this year’s expanded programme doubles the distribution of solar water pumps and introduces significant subsidies on farming equipment.
Governor Radda equally noted that this initiative represents an investment in our farmers’ future and our state’s economic growth.
He continued that by providing modern farming equipment and supplies at subsidized rates, we aim to enhance agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods across Katsina state.
The Governor acknowledged the Federal Government’s contribution through the Central Bank of Nigeria, which donated 80 trucks of assorted fertilizers to support the program.
Commending the acquisition of environmental friendly solar powered water pumps, the Nigerian Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described the initiative as a praiseworthy step in the demands for climate-smart agricultural produce.
Senator Kyari noted that by relying on renewable energy to run the water pumps and by greening the field with cultivated crops, Katsina is contributing to Nigeria’s carbon credit. “This, I would recommend to other states, so collectively we all make progress,” the Minister stated.
“Katsina was one of the states where production took place with 99.75% success recorded during the 2023/2024 Wheat Cultivation, 100% success recorded relative to targets in the second phase of 2023/2024 Dry Season Farming as well as 98.23% success recorded in the last 2024 wet season,” Senator Kyari remarked.
The Minister, however, commended the relentless efforts of Governor Radda, saying he has continued to pursue positive causes with many focal areas of his administration, particularly keying into all the laudable programmes and interventions initiated by the Renewed Hope Agenda President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to boost agricultural activities.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Prof. Ahmed Bakori Muhammed, Commissioner for Agriculture and Livestock Development, emphasized that agriculture remains central to Katsina State’s development, with 85% of the state’s 10 million residents engaged in farming activities.
The Commissioner highlighted that this initiative aligns with the administration’s comprehensive 20-year strategic plan (2024-2043), which aims to transform the agricultural sector into a modern value chain supporting wealth creation, employment, industrialization and food security.
Speaking on the plan to ensure effectiveness, Prof. Bakori announced strict monitoring measures for the distributed equipment. “All machinery will be engraved with identifying marks to prevent unauthorized resale, and surveillance systems will be implemented to track their movement,” he added.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State
23rd December, 2024
