Katsina State is set to benefit from the World Bank’s Agriculture Value Chains for Growth (AGROW) Project, a major initiative aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s agribusiness sector to boost job creation and food nutrition security.
Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda received the Task Team Leader for the AGROW Project, Dr. Hardwick Tchale, at Katsina House in Abuja, where discussions were held on the state’s readiness to participate in the programme.
During the meeting, the World Bank delegation briefed the Governor on the new development and urged the state to begin preparations for the project’s take-off. Katsina is among the selected states identified to participate in the initiative.
Dr. Tchale explained that the AGROW Project focuses on building a strong agricultural value chain that connects farmers, processors, and markets, thereby creating jobs and improving food supply across the country. He noted that the project’s main objective is to strengthen Nigeria’s agribusiness sector for sustainable economic growth.
“The objective of the project is to unlock Nigeria’s agribusiness sector for jobs creation and food nutrition security. States need to create a complete value chain circle in agriculture to ensure sustainable economic development,” Dr. Tchale said.
Responding, Governor Radda reaffirmed Katsina’s commitment to meeting the technical and administrative requirements needed to access the World Bank grant.
“Katsina is an agrarian state, with the majority of our citizens engaged in farming. However, insecurity has been a major challenge for our farmers. We welcome this intervention as timely, with the required modalities to address both economic and security issues in the state,” the Governor stated.
He further assured the World Bank team that his administration would ensure the successful implementation of the AGROW Project, emphasizing that agriculture remains central to Katsina’s economic transformation agenda.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Development Management Board, Dr. Mustapha Shehu, said that promoting partnerships and investments of this kind aligns with the Board’s mission to drive sustainable development and economic growth in the state.
The AGROW Project is expected to enhance agricultural productivity, generate employment, and strengthen food security across all participating states.