Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina state has distributed 722 motorcycles and knapsack sprayers to extension workers across the 361 wards in the state.

The governor also inaugurated the sale of 400,000 bags of fertilisers to farmers for 2024 cropping season.

Mr Radda, who inaugurated the exercise on Monday in Katsina, said the commodity would be sold to the farmers at subsidised rate, adding that the gesture was part of activities to celebrate his one-year in office.

He said that enhanced farmer support services mark a significant milestone in his commitment to economic empowerment and agricultural development, as well as transform the agricultural landscape of the state.

The governor said that “extension agents play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between our agricultural policies and the grassroots level.

”By equipping them with the necessary tools, we empower them to reach remote areas, provide valuable expertise, and support our farmers in adopting modern farming practices.

“The distribution and sales of fertiliser for the 2024 farming season underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring food security and boosting agricultural productivity.

”By making fertilisers readily available and accessible at a subsidised price to our farming communities, we aim to catalyse agricultural growth, alleviate poverty and stimulate economic development across the state.

”We recognise that agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and by investing in the sector, we lay the foundation for sustainable progress and prosperity for generations to come.

”As we embark on this journey towards a more vibrant and resilient agricultural sector, let us remain steadfast in our determination to harness the full potential of our land and resources.

”Together, we can build a future where every farmer thrives, every community flourishes and our state emerges as a beacon of Agricultural excellence”.

Earlier, Ahmed Bakori, the commissioner for agriculture and livestock, said one of the key initiatives by the present administration in the state was the promotion of dry season farming.

He said the state government significantly expanded agricultural output and resilience to climate variability.

Mr Bakori said the state government also distributed solar water pumps, improved seeds, fertilisers and trained farmers to enable  them to engage in all-year-round activities.

The commissioner said the state government had resuscitated the Makera Songhai farms and screened 102 candidates who studied agriculture-related courses for training under the Songhai initiative.

”By revitalising these flagship agricultural enterprises, our state is poised to harness modern technologies and best practices to drive productivity, create employment opportunities and promote agribusiness development.”

He further said the state government invested N234 million to support 550 women farmers affected by banditry.

”Also, over N339 million has been invested in 3,876 women whose businesses were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“And this brings the total money invested in women within the last year for agricultural entrepreneurship to N584.8 million”.

(NAN)