Katsina State has announced its plans to modernise agriculture and boost rural livelihoods with the launch of a dedicated farmers’ radio station, unveiled during the visit of Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday.
The initiative, executed under the administration of Governor Dikko Radda, aligns with the state’s commitment to using information and innovation as tools for agricultural transformation.
The newly established farmers’ radio station is designed to give rural farmers direct access to real-time agricultural guidance, from pest control and market updates to production management.
According to the Commissioner for Agriculture and Livestock, Professor Ahmed Bakori, the platform will serve as a communication bridge, complementing the work of agricultural extension officers and the Katsina Sustainable Platform for Agriculture (KASPA).
“The radio platform will allow farmers to communicate freely and receive expert guidance, complementing the services of extension workers and KASPA,” Bakori explained.
The initiative targets smallholder farmers, many of whom rely on radio as their main source of information.
It provides a sustainable, accessible, and cost-effective channel for agricultural education and engagement.
The initiative tends to improve productivity and promote climate-smart practices.
The platform will enable better decision-making, efficient input use, and improved resilience to weather-related shocks by ensuring farmers have access to timely and relevant information.
The project aligns with Katsina’s agricultural roadmap to promote mechanisation, youth participation, and sustainable land management.
Training sessions and linkages with local agribusinesses are also expected to enhance farmers’ technical skills and access to modern tools.
While agriculture takes centre stage, the Vice President also inaugurated a 3.3-kilometre road project within the Katsina metropolis, valued at ₦1.9 billion.
The road, which stretches from the Katsina Central Mosque to the WTC roundabout, will improve logistics and market access for farmers and traders.
According to Alhaji Sani Magaji-Ingawa, Commissioner for Works, Housing, and Transportation, the project supports Katsina’s drive to integrate transport infrastructure into its agricultural development agenda.
Vice President Shettima also commissioned the 9th expanded National Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Clinic, further reinforcing the state’s economic diversification efforts.
The Director-General of the Katsina State Enterprises Development Agency (KASEDA), Aisha Aminu, stated that the clinic will give entrepreneurs, particularly agro-based small business owners, access to funding, mentorship, and support services.
Source: Agro Nigeria
Image Credit: Naija Farmer
