Katsina State invested over N36 billion in its agricultural sector for the 2024 farming season, marking one of the largest state-level agricultural investments in recent years.
The funds were used to procure 20,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer and other essential farming inputs, aiming to boost crop yields and ensure food security for its over 8 million residents.
Deputy Governor Alhaji Faruq Lawal-Jobe disclosed the figures during a monthly press briefing, emphasizing the government’s commitment to revitalizing agriculture. “This investment is about ensuring that our farmers have what they need to thrive,” Lawal-Jobe said. “Fertilizer distribution alone accounted for a significant portion of this budget, aimed at increasing productivity across our 361 wards.”
In addition to fertilizers, the government allocated N21.7 billion for mechanized farming, purchasing 400 tractors, 2,000 hand planters, and 10 combine harvesters. The goal is to reduce manual labor and boost efficiency. “Mechanization is key to transforming agriculture in Katsina,” Lawal-Jobe stated.
A Push for Modern Farming Practices
Katsina’s administration has also spent over N790.5 million to upgrade seven zonal produce stores, ensuring better post-harvest management. The government aims to resuscitate the Songhai Farm Centre at Makera and revitalize the Cotton Value Chain to enable year-round farming, providing jobs and economic growth.
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Moreover, the state distributed newly introduced liquid fertilizers and 54,150 moringa seedlings to farmers to enhance yield quality and promote sustainable farming practices. Lawal-Jobe highlighted the state’s focus on data-driven agriculture, revealing that N273.6 million was spent on research and data collection to better understand farmer needs and improve agricultural policies.
“We are committed to using data to guide our policies,” he said. “From farmer demographics to crop-specific data, we’re leaving nothing to chance.”
Empowering Farmers and Building Capacity
The investment extended to farmer empowerment initiatives, including training 150 women in backyard gardening and food supplement formulation. The state also distributed 722 motorcycles and knapsack sprayers to extension workers for improved farm monitoring.
To further boost efficiency, N386.1 million was allocated to the Farmers Supply Company Ltd (FASCOKT) for purchasing and distributing seeds, chemicals, and other inputs. Lawal-Jobe stressed the importance of these initiatives, stating, “Empowering our farmers means empowering the entire economy of Katsina.”
