Boosting Nigerian Economy Through Agricultural Development: Katsina State Governor Advocates Holistic Approach
- Katsina City News
- 11 Jan, 2024
- 450
Katsina Times
The Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, emphasized the pivotal role of the agricultural sector in bolstering the Nigerian economy during a visit to the Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security in Abuja on Tuesday.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the agricultural sector, Governor Radda, a former Director General of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), stated that 85% of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria are linked to the agricultural value chain.
With 90% of Katsina's population engaged in farming, he underscored the need to enhance seed quality and farming practices to elevate productivity. Governor Radda also revealed plans to recruit 622 extension agents and revive extension services in the state, aiming to enhance food productivity through various initiatives.
Addressing challenges, he expressed concern over neglected projects, such as the Songhai Farms, promising rehabilitation and transformation into agricultural training centers for youth. The governor also highlighted efforts to address insecurity, asserting a 70% reduction since assuming office.
Attributing insecurity to youth redundancy, he outlined initiatives like improving irrigation farming and providing resources to farmers in clusters, emphasizing the importance of engaging the youth to combat idleness.
Senator Abubakar Kyari praised Katsina State's role in the federal food security agenda, assuring the exceeding of targets. He advocated for collaboration and emphasized the need for genuine farmers' databases for efficient planning and distribution of farm inputs.
Additionally, Kyari announced the forthcoming establishment of a federal task force to monitor and ensure the success of collaborative programs with states in achieving food security goals.
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