The Katsina State Government says it has spent N2 billion to boost the production of cotton and other crops in the state in the last three and a half years.
According to the government, it released the funds to the Ministry of Agriculture and its parastatals for the development of the agricultural sector.
Gov. Aminu Masari made the disclosure during the opening ceremony of a three-day agricultural show on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at Kafin Soli village of Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Masari, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Mannir Yakubu, said the funds were released for the implementation of various agricultural activities aimed at boosting food production and employment.
The governor said that his administration was collaborating with the Institute of Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, for the revival of cotton production in both dry and wet seasons.
He said that efforts were being made by government to source improved seed varieties for farmers with short duration of maturity and high yield to increase their production, generate employment to create wealth.
He urged agriculture extension service agencies, research institutions, universities and other relevant stakeholders to partner with the state government to boost agricultural production in the state.
“The government has also provided facilities, incentives and the enabling environment to small scale farmers to be fully engaged all year round.
“Our target is to ensure that both wet and dry seasons farmers in the state are being supported and empowered to compete positively with the global challenges.’’
The governor called on citizens of the state to support the administration’s programmes and policies.
He appealed to the people to stop the felling of trees, encroaching into government forests reserves and grazing reserves to avert drought, desertification as well as farmers/herdsmen clashes.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Agric Show Committee, Alhaji Shehu Ibrahim, said that the state government organised the show with the aim of showcasing farm produce from Katsina State.
Ibrahim, who is also managing director of the state’s AgricProject, said the farmers had recorded bumper harvest through the assistance of the state government by providing enough fertiliser and other farm inputs.
By Shehu Danjuma
