Katsina Govt To Establish Agricultural Research Institute

Katsina Govt To Establish Agricultural Research Institute

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, has announced plans to establish an Agricultural Research Institute in the state to improve farming inputs, research and modern agricultural technologies.

The governor made the disclosure on Monday while receiving the leadership of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, Katsina Chapter, led by Hon. Ya’u Umar Gwajo-Gwajo, at Government House, Katsina.

Radda said Katsina has the human resources to run the institution, and cited Jigawa State as a model.

He added that about 90 per cent of Katsina residents are directly or indirectly engaged in farming and livestock production.

“Agriculture is the backbone of the livelihood of our people. Whenever Allah blesses someone with leadership, one of the best things to do is to support farmers,” he said.

The governor, who said he grew up rearing goats to support his education, noted that farming in the state is shifting from traditional to mechanised methods.

He listed tractors, power tillers, irrigation, improved seeds, fertiliser and extension services as key areas of investment.

To strengthen extension services, Radda said his administration had recruited two extension workers from each of the 34 local government areas and provided them with motorcycles and knapsack sprayers.

He added that two persons from each of the 361 wards are also being trained on improved agricultural practices, including quality seed production.

The governor said his administration has procured tractors and power tillers, investing in solar-powered irrigation, and has drilled 3,000 boreholes across the state to support dry-season farming and boost potable water supply.

“We are taking fertiliser distribution to the grassroots, even to polling-unit level, and before the rains. That is how farmers can get the best result,” he said.

Radda also said the government plans to revive the cotton industry in Funtua and support the production of moringa, sesame, soybean, sorghum and Zobo.

He added that processing and value-addition centres will be set up in farming communities to create jobs and increase income.

On livestock, the governor revealed that women have benefited from goat distribution, and that a modern meat-processing facility will be established in Katsina to process livestock locally and create employment.

He said the model was drawn from his visits to South Africa and Brazil.

Radda assured farmers that government would address challenges in watermelon, rice, orange-fleshed sweet potato and livestock production.

Earlier, the AFAN Chairman, Hon. Gwajo-Gwajo, commended the administration for improving access to farmlands in areas like Faskari, Dan Musa and Batsari, and the timely fertiliser distribution.

He requested for the establishment of farmers’ communication centre and help to address diseases affecting watermelon.

Also speaking, the state Chairman of Cassava Farmers Association, Hassan Yunusa Yan Marke, said improved cassava varieties have raised yields from 20 to 30 tonnes per hectare.

He confirmed that the Batsari cassava processing plant promised by the Governor when he was DG of SMEDAN is now being implemented.

The farmers called on the government to invest more in potato and Zobo processing, and provide drying facilities in Charanchi, Kaita, Mashi, Baure and Daura.