By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times, Katsina, Nigeria, March 2, 2025

The Katsina State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to significantly invest in agriculture, livestock, and water resources to ensure sustainable development. This announcement was made by the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, during the fourth monthly press briefing held in the state capital.

Jobe emphasized the importance of the government's policies under the Building Your Picture initiative, which focuses on ensuring food security and boosting the rural economy. He highlighted that the administration has allocated N386.1 million to provide farming inputs through the Farmers Supply Company Ltd (FASCOKT), alongside rehabilitating storage facilities in Funtua and Daura. Additionally, improved seeds and fertilizers have been distributed to farmers to enhance agricultural productivity.

In the livestock sector, the Deputy Governor revealed that the government has earmarked N5.77 billion for the Livestock and Animal Husbandry Improvement Program. This initiative includes the distribution of 32,490 goats to rural communities and the development of grazing fields at the Ladanawa Farm Centre.

Regarding dry-season farming, the state government has invested N8.28 billion to provide irrigation pumps, solar-powered water pumps, and modern fertilizers to farmers. Furthermore, N3.3 billion has been spent on deepening dams and drilling boreholes to support dry-season farming across the state.

Jobe assured residents that the Katsina State Government will continue to implement these programs to improve the economy and enhance the well-being of its citizens. He reiterated the administration's dedication to fostering sustainable growth and development in the state.