Gov Radda Unveils $1m Food Security Project, N1m Agripreneur Support

Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, has unveiled a $1 million food security project while announcing economic support for agripreneurs and women as part of measures to strengthen livelihoods and agricultural production across the state.

The food security project, titled “Protecting Food Security Against Recurring Floods and Drought”, will be implemented by Mercy Corps Nigeria in collaboration with the Katsina State Development Management Board and Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

Speaking at its launch in Katsina, Radda said the 12-month intervention would strengthen vulnerable farming communities against climate-related shocks.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr Salisu Bala Zango in a statement issued to journalists in Abuja said the project will initially cover Bindawa, Bakori and Kafur local government areas.

The project will rehabilitate 12 solar-powered water systems, improve 150 farms with soil bunds, contour barriers and drainage, restore degraded land, rehabilitate 150 food storage facilities and distribute 500 hermetic storage bags.

It will also support climate-smart farming, livelihood diversification for about 300 women and cash-for-work opportunities for 180 people.

Radda also announced N1 million take-off packages for each of 361 graduates of the second DRATESS-Songhai agricultural training programme.
Each beneficiary will initially receive N500,000, with the balance released in phases based on enterprise establishment and performance.

The governor said the Makera Songhai Centre would be expanded to accommodate up to 1,000 trainees, urging graduates to build businesses and create jobs.

Meanwhile, Radda inspected a mobile workshop truck procured to support the state’s 400 tractors by providing repairs and maintenance across farming communities.

The State Executive Council also approved an empowerment programme for 49,640 women across 361 wards and 34 local government areas, alongside reconstruction of the Bindawa-Dallaje-Doro-Giremawa-Duwan-Duwan Junction Road and consideration of scholarships for Qur’anic education students.

The initiatives underscore the administration’s focus on agriculture, climate resilience, enterprise development, infrastructure and social support.