The Katsina State government said it has spent over N36 billion to procure 20,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser and other activities during the 2024 farming season.

It also provided 722 motorcycles and knapsack sprayers for the use of 722 extension workers deployed to serve in 361 wards across the state to ensure effective monitoring.

Deputy Governor Faruq Lawal-Jobe disclosed this during the state’s monthly news conference on Sunday in Katsina.

According to him, more than N21.7 billion was also spent on the procurement of 400 tractors with full accessories, 2,000 hand planters, and 10 combine harvesters.

“This is with a view to providing our farmers with required agricultural implements to boost food production in the state.

“In addition, more than N790.5 million has been expended for the upgrade of seven zonal produce stores in Funtua, Daura, Katsina, Mani, Kankia, Kafinsoli and Malumfashi.

“We will also resuscitate the Songhai Farm Centre at Makera in Dutsin-Ma Local Government, as well as the Cotton Value Chain, for an all-year-round farming,  to provide employment and economic viability of our people,” he said.

Mr Lawal-Jobe further explained that the ministry had also distributed newly introduced liquid fertiliser to enhance better yields.

He added that the government had ensured the completion of the state’s Sustainable Platform for Agriculture (KASPA) project at the headquarters of the Ministry of Agriculture.

“The State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KTARDA) has also conducted numerous activities for the improvement of agriculture in the state.

“The government has spent the sum of N273.6 million to carry out numerous activities for the development of agriculture.

“These include the purchase and distribution of 40 motorcycles for monitoring activities. Additionally, agrochemicals for pest control were distributed to farmers,” he said.

To utilise the services of the earlier mentioned 722 extension workers, Mr Lawal-Jobe said 54,150 moringa seedlings were distributed to farmers across the state.

According to him, 150 women were trained and empowered on backyard gardening and formulation of nutritive food supplements.

He said that to ensure a sufficient supply of agricultural inputs and implements to enhance agricultural yield by farmers, N386.1 million was expended under the Farmers Supply Company Ltd (FASCOKT).

Mr Lawal-Jobe said the agency had undertaken the repairs of warehouses for storage of seeds, chemicals and agricultural implements in Funtua and Daura, in addition to repairs of one service centre.

He added that assorted agrochemicals and improved seeds were also purchased and distributed to farmers, adding that their administration had also injected adequate resources to improve livestock and grazing reserve activities.

(NAN)