By Awyetu Asabe Hope
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has inaugurated a cassava and gari processing centre in Batsari Local Government Area to boost agro-processing, create jobs and strengthen the state’s agricultural value chain.
Speaking at the inauguration, Radda renamed the facility the Dr Abba Sayyadi Ruma Cassava/Gari Processing Centre in honour of the late former Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources.
He said the project reflected his administration’s commitment to agricultural transformation, rural development and economic diversification through value addition.
According to the governor, the centre will provide farmers with access to modern processing equipment, improve market opportunities, reduce post-harvest losses and create employment, particularly for women and youths.
Radda noted that despite Nigeria being the world’s largest cassava producer, inadequate processing facilities had continued to limit farmers’ earnings and increase waste.
He added that the state was investing in improved seeds, mechanised farming, irrigation, extension services, climate-smart agriculture and rural infrastructure to strengthen the agricultural value chain.
Director-General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency, Babangida Kabir Ruma, said the facility would promote rural enterprises, empower women and youths, and enhance wealth creation across the state.
