Smallholder farmers to receive N100m support in Katsina
Smallholder farmers are to receive N100 million support in Katsina State through the Climate-Smart Agribusiness Empowerment Scheme launched by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda on Thursday.
The African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) will provide N63.75 million to run the scheme while the state government will contribute N36.25 million.
The Syndicate reports that the scheme involves the construction and repair of critical dams, procurement of over 20,000 metric tons of fertilizer for the 2025 farming season, and distribution of thousands of solar-powered irrigation pumps.
According to the governor, the Climate-Smart Agribusiness Empowerment Scheme has been designed to transform agricultural practices among smallholder farmers across the state.
He said that the comprehensive programme demonstrates government commitment to agricultural transformation and climate resilience, and a milestone in the journey towards inclusive agricultural development.
Radda also emphasised the state’s commitment to moving farmers from subsistence to commercial production.
“This is not just a routine empowerment programme, it is a deliberate investment in our people, in our economy, and in our future,” the Governor stated.
“We want our farmers to move from subsistence to commercial production using smarter, climate-resilient approaches.”
The governor said “extension agents must follow up closely”, adding that monitoring and evaluation will be key to assessing the real impact of the initiative and ensuring that the resources put in “are not wasted”.
In his remarks, National Coordinator of AUDA-NEPAD in Nigeria, Jabiru Tsauri, described the scheme as not just another intervention, but a gateway to achieving Agenda 2063 of the African Union.
“We are bringing access to inputs, improved seeds, modern farming tools, and most importantly, knowledge and market linkages.”
Also speaking, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Maryam Sodangi said the scheme will lay the foundation for food security in the face of environmental changes.
