The Daberam community in Daura Local Government Area of Katsina State has called on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Umaru Radda to revive the long-abandoned NALDA (National Agricultural Land Development Authority) farm.
The farm, initially launched by former President Muhammadu Buhari, was intended to support agriculture and livestock farming but has since fallen into neglect.
Residents, whose livelihoods largely depend on farming and animal rearing, lamented the project’s collapse due to mismanagement and the appointment of unqualified personnel.
They stressed that reviving the facility would significantly enhance local businesses, improve economic conditions, and generate revenue for the state.
Alhaji Tuno Isah of Sharan-Gate praised former President Buhari for initiating the farm, acknowledging its potential benefits. However, he expressed disappointment that the project was mismanaged, leading to its downfall.
“We are deeply concerned about the collapse of this farm. However, rather than dwelling on the past, we now appeal to President Tinubu and Governor Radda to revive the NALDA farm. If restored, it will provide our people with sustainable livelihoods. During its operational days, we benefited from products like honey, goats, rabbits, and chickens,” he said.
He further noted that Governor Radda’s recent initiative of distributing goats to women could be enhanced through the revival of the NALDA farm.
He emphasised that with the government’s interest in exporting meat abroad, revitalizing the farm would align with this agenda.
Additionally, he urged the government to expand their local dam and establish a marketplace in Daberam to further boost economic activities.
Similarly, the Magaji Turumni and Nafi’u Turumni attributed the failure of the NALDA farm to the appointment of unsuitable individuals to manage it.
He stressed the need for local community members to be actively involved in government projects to ensure their success.
“When government projects are initiated, local people should be directly involved in their execution. We were initially assured that we would manage the NALDA farm, but outsiders were put in charge instead. This contributed to its eventual collapse,” he stated.
Despite this setback, the Magaji Turumni acknowledged the support received from the government in irrigation farming and called for more assistance to sustain agricultural productivity.
Echoing this sentiment, Magaji Binga, Alhaji Shehu Binga, commended the Katsina State Government for its efforts in providing improved seedlings, fertilizers, and farm implements. He urged the government to continue its support to improve agricultural activities and enhance the well-being of farmers.
With agriculture playing a crucial role in Katsina’s economy, the revival of the NALDA farm is seen as a critical step towards economic growth, food security, and sustainable development in the region.
The call from the Daberam community serves as a reminder of the need for effective management and community involvement in government initiatives to ensure long-term success.
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