By Abdullahi Lukman
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has launched the distribution of irrigation equipment and farm inputs to 4,000 farmers across the state, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to grassroots agricultural transformation.
The event took place Monday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, organized by the Katsina State Community Development Programme (CDP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Katsina State Irrigation Authority (KTARDA).
Governor Radda said the initiative aims to empower rural communities, boost agricultural productivity, and ensure food security.
The items distributed include irrigation water pumps, knapsack sprayers, herbicides, and liquid fertilizers.
“The tools belong to our farmers, but more importantly, they belong to the future of Katsina State. Use them wisely to improve your productivity and lift your families out of hardship,” the governor advised.
He also instructed agricultural extension officers to guide farmers on proper usage and tasked the CDP with overseeing distribution logistics to ensure transparency.
CDP Coordinator, Dr. Kamal, highlighted the programme’s impact since its inception, noting that it has supported communities with fertilizers, financial aid for widows, and food assistance during Ramadan, while continuing to focus on empowering verified irrigation farmers.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Aliyu Lawal Shargalle, emphasized that the tools are not for sale and urged beneficiaries to use them to enhance farming and strengthen food security.
KTARDA Managing Director, Engr. Salim Suleiman, described the event as historic for improving irrigation farming and boosting the rural economy.
Rabo Tambaya, Deputy ALGON Chairman, praised the governor’s visionary leadership, noting that the empowerment initiative represents a milestone in Katsina’s agricultural development and reinforces governance at the grassroots.
