Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has launched a N100 million Climate-Smart Agribusiness Empowerment Scheme to bolster smallholder farmers and revolutionize agriculture in the state.
The initiative, unveiled Wednesday, aims to enhance climate resilience and transition farmers from subsistence to commercial production.
This collaborative effort between the state government and the African Union Development Agency–New Partnership for Africa's Development (AUDA-NEPAD) sees Katsina contributing N36.25 million and AUDA-NEPAD providing the remaining N63.75 million.
Governor Radda emphasized the program as a "deliberate investment" in the state's economy, stressing the importance of "smarter, climate-resilient approaches." He urged meticulous follow-up and evaluation by extension agents to ensure the scheme's tangible impact.
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The initiative will modernize Katsina's agriculture by promoting sustainable practices, improving access to inputs, and strengthening value chains. Governor Radda has directed stakeholders to ensure efficient resource utilization and training.
Hon. Salisu Jabiru Tsauri, AUDA-NEPAD's National Coordinator, highlighted the program's alignment with continental agricultural objectives, providing farmers with improved seeds, modern tools, and market linkages. Key interventions include dam repairs, procuring over 20,000 metric tons of fertilizer for 2025, and distributing solar-powered irrigation systems.
Maryam Sodangi, SSA to the Governor on SDGs, underscored the scheme's long-term vision, stating it reflects a commitment to building climate-resilient farming systems and laying the groundwork for future food security. This scheme is poised to be a cornerstone of Katsina's agricultural transformation.
