The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), in partnership with OCP Africa, The Infrastructure Bank, SRRBDA, and the Katsina State Government, has unveiled a 50-hectare irrigated demonstration farm at Sabke Dam, Katsina State.
Designed as a model for sustainable, irrigated agriculture, the project aims to transform underutilised water infrastructure into productive agribusiness hubs. It will cultivate maize, sorghum, cowpea, and soybeans, offering year-round farming and a full agricultural value chain—from land prep to market access.
NADF's Executive Secretary, Mohammed Ibrahim, described the project as "a proof of concept" with digital monitoring tools for real-time tracking and transparency. OCP Africa, the technical partner, has completed soil mapping and will provide tailored fertiliser blends and farmer training.
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The Katsina State Government is supporting land clearing and mechanisation, while The Infrastructure Bank is funding critical inputs like urea.
Governor Dikko Radda welcomed the initiative, highlighting its potential to create jobs and boost rural livelihoods.
For agri-SMEs and smallholder farmers, the project offers access to modern farming tools, training, and out-grower opportunities. If successful, it could be replicated across Nigeria's river basins—unlocking new prospects for agribusiness growth and food security.
