Kastina state deploys a new strategy for robust food security

 

The Governor of Katisna, His Excellency Dikko Umar Radda has introduced a new agricultural policy that will reposition the food productivity system of the state even in the face of insurgency.

This was disclosed to Foodfarmnews in an exclusive interview with the state commissioner of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Prof. Ahmed Bakou Mohammed recently in Abuja.

Mohammed pointed that unlike many other states across the country, Katsina had no formal agricultural policy until this current administration took office in 2023 having realized the urgency to rebuild the sector that had been badly affected by insurgency and mass displacement of farmers producing foods.

Prof. Ahmed Bakuo Mohammed said that the Governor initiated the new agricultural policy to build a robust foods system towards a long time sustainability with affordability and availability.

The commissioner pointed that their administration met farmers who had abandoned farm lands due to insurgency displacement, adding that the state has no agricultural policy until now.

The agric commissioner explained how for the first time the state government has purchased surplus agricultural inputs for farmers at a very affordable rate saying that "The government purchased 400,000 bags of fertilizer, far exceeding the average procurement by most states, and sold them at a subsidized rate of ₦20,000 per bag"

"Alongside fertilizers, farmers received improved open-pollinated seeds (instead of hybrids) that allowed farmers to preserve seeds for future planting"

Prof. Mohammed speaking on resuscitation of the extension services from a very low number of 75 to 722 with bike mobility for easy accessibility said that his Excellency had really prevailed over a low rate mechanization applications for a better future sustainable foods system with the use of modern equipment 

The Commissioner said " While the previous government purchased 1,500 tractors over a decade of which fewer than 30 remain operational, the current administration has acquired 400 new tractors"

" This comprehensive policy marks the first time Katsina State has developed a structured agricultural development framework. By focusing on farmers' support, mechanization, and institutional capacity-building"