By Abdullahi Lukman
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has launched a $1 million food security project and announced new financial support for agripreneurs and women as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural production and livelihoods across the state.
The 12-month project, titled “Protecting Food Security Against Recurring Floods and Drought,” will be implemented by Mercy Corps Nigeria in partnership with the Katsina State Development Management Board and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Speaking at the launch in Katsina, Radda said the intervention would help vulnerable farming communities withstand the effects of floods, drought and other climate-related shocks.
According to a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr Salisu Bala Zango, the project will initially cover Bindawa, Bakori and Kafur local government areas.
Under the programme, 12 solar-powered water systems will be rehabilitated, while 150 farms will receive soil bunds, contour barriers and drainage improvements.
The intervention will also restore degraded land, rehabilitate 150 food storage facilities and distribute 500 hermetic storage bags.
About 300 women are expected to benefit from climate-smart farming and livelihood diversification initiatives, while 180 people will receive cash-for-work opportunities.
Radda also announced N1 million start-up packages for each of the 361 graduates of the second DRATESS-Songhai agricultural training programme.
Each beneficiary will receive an initial N500,000, with the remaining amount to be disbursed in phases based on the establishment and performance of their enterprises.
The governor said the Makera Songhai Centre would be expanded to accommodate up to 1,000 trainees, urging beneficiaries to use the skills acquired to establish businesses and create employment opportunities.
He also inspected a mobile workshop truck procured to provide repair and maintenance services for the state’s 400 tractors in farming communities.
In another development, the State Executive Council approved an empowerment programme for 49,640 women across 361 wards and 34 local government areas.
The council also approved the reconstruction of the Bindawa-Dallaje-Doro-Giremawa-Duwan-Duwan Junction Road and considered scholarship support for students undergoing Qur’anic education.
The measures form part of the state government’s broader efforts to promote agricultural development, climate resilience, enterprise creation, infrastructure and social empowerment.
