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Katsina Revs Up Agriculture with Motorcycles, Sprayers for 772 Extension Agents

Katsina City News
28 May, 2024
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GOVERNMENT HOUSE KATSINA PRESS RELEASE

Katsina State Governor, His Excellency Malam Dikko Umar Radda, Ph.D., today launched a series of initiatives aimed at empowering farmers and boosting agricultural productivity across the state.

The initiatives include:

* Distribution of motorcycles and knapsack sprayers to 772 recruited local government staff as extension agents. These agents will provide valuable expertise and support to farmers in remote areas, helping them adopt modern farming practices.

"Arrangements have been made for the extension workers to own the Motorcycles in the next five (5) years, all necessary documentations will follow at a discount rate," Governor Radda disclosed.

Similarly, as part of efforts to ensuring food security and boosting agricultural productivity, the Katsina Governor officially flagged-off the distribution and sales of fertilizer for the 2024 wet season farming season. By making fertilizers readily available and affordable, the government aims to spur agricultural growth, alleviate poverty, and stimulate economic development.

Governor Radda emphasized the importance of agriculture as the backbone of Katsina's economy. He stated that these investments will lay the foundation for sustainable progress and prosperity for the next 20 years.

The Governor commended the efforts of the Honorable Commissioner of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the Honorable Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the success of these programs.

"Together, we can build a future where every farmer thrives, every community flourishes, and Katsina State emerges as a beacon of agricultural excellence," Governor Radda concluded.

Earlier in his address, Professor Ahmed Bakori Mohammed, Honorable Commissioner for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, commended Governor Radda's visionary leadership, emphasizing that it has positioned agriculture as a cornerstone of the state's development and a pathway to prosperity for its people.

The Agric Commissioner acknowledged the farmers' gratitude towards Governor Radda for his commitment to their well-being.

Professor Bakori outlined key initiatives undertaken by the Governor's administration as follows:

**Promotion of Dry Season Farming:** This program, providing free solar water pumps, seeds, fertilizer, and training, allows for year-round cultivation, ensuring food security and increased farmer income.

**Revitalization of Makera Songhai Farms:** This flagship agricultural enterprise is being revived to leverage modern technologies and best practices for increased productivity, job creation, and agribusiness development.

**Empowering Women in Agriculture:** Over N584 million has been invested to support women affected by banditry and the COVID-19 pandemic, encouraging their participation in agricultural entrepreneurship.

**Other Investments of the Radda led administration in agriculture include:**

*N800,000 allocated for Zoonotic Disease Control.

*N509 million for Ranch Development programs in frontline Local Government Areas (LGAs)

*Clinics, hospitals, abattoirs, and boreholes established in these LGAs to support infrastructure and economic development.

*Repair and maintenance of Daberam, Sagawa, and Bakori Dams to improve irrigation capacity and agricultural output among several others.

Signed:

Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed

Chief Press Secretary to Katsina State Governor

27 May, 2024