Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has inaugurated a modern cassava and gari processing centre in Batsari Local Government Area, describing the project as a major step towards agricultural industrialisation, job creation and economic empowerment in rural communities.
At the commissioning ceremony, Governor Radda announced that the facility would henceforth be known as the Dr Abba Sayyadi Ruma Cassava/Gari Processing Centre, in honour of the late former Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources, whose contributions to Nigeria’s agricultural development remain widely acknowledged.
The governor said the establishment of the processing centre underscores his administration’s determination to transform agriculture from subsistence farming into a viable economic enterprise capable of generating wealth, improving livelihoods and driving sustainable development across the state.
He noted that despite Nigeria’s position as the world’s leading producer of cassava, many farmers continue to face challenges arising from inadequate processing infrastructure, resulting in low returns on investment and significant post-harvest losses.
According to him, the newly commissioned facility is designed to bridge that gap by providing farmers with access to modern processing technology, expanding market opportunities for agricultural products and reducing waste along the production chain.
Radda explained that the centre would also stimulate local economic activities by creating employment opportunities, particularly for women and youths, while encouraging greater participation in agro-processing and agribusiness ventures.
“Agriculture is not merely a means of livelihood. It is an engine of economic growth, a pillar of food security and a driver of industrial development. Real prosperity lies in adding value to what we produce,” the governor stated.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a resilient and competitive agricultural sector through strategic investments in improved seed varieties, mechanised farming, irrigation systems, extension services, climate-smart agricultural practices and rural infrastructure.
The governor stressed that these interventions are part of a broader plan to develop a complete agricultural value chain capable of increasing productivity, enhancing food security and attracting private-sector participation in the state’s economy.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), Dr Babangida Kabir Ruma, described the processing centre as a transformative initiative that would strengthen rural enterprises and expand economic opportunities for local communities.
He said the facility would serve as a catalyst for wealth creation by empowering farmers, women and young entrepreneurs engaged in cassava production and processing, while contributing significantly to the state’s drive for inclusive economic growth.
The commissioning of the centre is expected to boost cassava processing capacity in Katsina State, improve the value of agricultural produce and further advance the government’s efforts to diversify the economy through agriculture-led development.
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