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Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has said the state government is putting its own money into agriculture development as part of a wider strategy to grow food production, create jobs and reduce poverty across the state.
The governor made this known during a meeting with a delegation from the Islamic Development Bank led by Dr. Masuda Saidova, who visited Katsina for discussions on agricultural partnership and project expansion.
According to Radda, the visit comes at an important time as his administration is pushing ahead with plans to strengthen the agricultural sector, which remains the backbone of livelihoods for many residents, especially in rural communities.
“We are not just waiting for support. We are investing our own resources and working with partners to achieve more,” the governor said.
State betting on agriculture as poverty reduction tool
Radda explained that agriculture remains the largest employer in Katsina, with thousands of households depending on farming as their main source of income. He said the government sees investment in the sector as a direct way to fight poverty and improve living standards.
To help farmers earn more, the state is focusing on reducing post-harvest losses by improving storage and processing systems. This is expected to help farmers preserve produce longer and sell at better prices instead of losing crops after harvest.
The governor also acknowledged that rising farming input costs remain a serious burden for many farmers. To cushion the impact, he said the government has continued to supply fertiliser at subsidised rates.
Irrigation, mechanisation and youth jobs in focus
Beyond fertiliser support, Katsina is also pushing year-round farming through irrigation projects. Radda said the government is building tube wells and distributing solar-powered irrigation pumps to farmers to support dry-season cultivation.
He added that over 800 trained extension workers are already deployed across communities to guide farmers on better planting methods and improved seed usage.
The state is also expanding mechanised farming and livestock programmes targeted at women and rural households, aiming to improve productivity and household incomes.
According to the governor, agriculture is central to reducing unemployment and insecurity, especially among young people. He noted that engaging youths in productive farming activities can reduce social unrest while opening up new income opportunities.
Following inspection of project sites, the Islamic Development Bank delegation praised the state’s efforts and pledged support for large-scale agricultural hubs expected to boost food production, create jobs and improve livelihoods in Katsina.
