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Katsina State Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has unveiled a $1 million food security project accompanied by an announcement of N1 million take-off packages for the training of 361 agricultural graduates as part of efforts to strengthen food production, climate resilience and livelihoods in the state.
The food security project, titled “Protecting Food Security Against Recurring Floods and Drought”, will be implemented by Mercy Corps Nigeria in collaboration with the Katsina State Development Management Board and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Radda said the 12-month intervention was designed to strengthen vulnerable farming communities against the effects of climate-related shocks, particularly recurring floods and drought. The project will initially cover Bindawa, Bakori and Kafur Local Government Areas.
“Under the intervention, 12 solar-powered water systems will be rehabilitated, while 150 farms will benefit from soil bunds, contour barriers and drainage infrastructure aimed at improving resilience to flooding and erosion.
“The project will also support the restoration of degraded land, rehabilitation of 150 food storage facilities and distribution of 500 hermetic storage bags to help reduce post-harvest losses,” he said.
According to the governor, the intervention will further promote climate-smart agricultural practices and livelihood diversification for about 300 women, while creating cash-for-work opportunities for 180 people.
Radda also announced N1 million take-off packages for each of the 361 graduates of the second DRATESS-Songhai agricultural training programme.
He said each graduate would receive an initial N500,000, with the remaining balance to be released in phases based on the establishment and performance of their agricultural enterprises.
The governor urged the beneficiaries to deploy the support to establish viable businesses, create jobs and contribute to the state’s food production drive.
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He disclosed that the Makera Songhai Centre would also be expanded to accommodate up to 1,000 trainees, stressing the need to equip more young people with practical agricultural skills.
As part of efforts to sustain agricultural mechanisation, Radda inspected a mobile workshop truck procured to provide repair and maintenance services for the state’s fleet of 400 tractors.
“The mobile facility is expected to take maintenance services closer to farmers and farming communities, reducing downtime and improving the availability of agricultural machinery during production seasons,” he said.
Meanwhile, the State Executive Council approved an empowerment programme targeting 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.
The administration further considered the provision of scholarships for students undergoing Qur’anic education.
The interventions form part of the Radda administration’s broader strategy to boost agricultural production, strengthen communities against climate-related shocks, promote enterprise development and expand social and economic opportunities for vulnerable groups.
