The Katsina State Government has unveiled a new pilot agricultural investment, strengthening agribusiness development, improving farmer incomes and attracting private sector participation in the state’s food economy.
The initiative, which involves the establishment of an agro-allied processing factory with an integrated out-grower scheme, will be located in Tashar Bala village, Batagarawa Local Government Area.
It is being implemented under the Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land-Intensive Agricultural Investment (FRILIA).
The project forms part of the state’s broader strategy to create a structured and sustainable agricultural system that links smallholder farmers to markets while ensuring responsible land use and community inclusion.
Speaking during a media briefing in Katsina, the Director-General of the Katsina State Investment Promotion Agency (KIPA), Ibrahim Tukur Jikamshi, stated that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to building investor confidence and promoting inclusive economic growth.
He explained that the state had already constituted FRILIA steering and technical committees to ensure smooth implementation, transparency and accountability.
According to him, the project is expected to generate employment, support skills and technology transfer, improve farmers’ access to markets, and integrate local producers into formal agricultural value chains through structured out-grower arrangements.
Jikamshi noted that the government has conducted capacity-building programmes for key stakeholders, including traditional leaders, to strengthen institutional readiness for land-intensive agricultural investments.
To further promote accountability, a Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) has been established to address community concerns and ensure disputes are resolved transparently.
“The pilot project underscores Katsina State’s commitment to responsible land governance, inclusive growth and investor protection”.
“It is designed to serve as a scalable model for sustainable agricultural investment across the state,” he said.
The FRILIA initiative builds on commitments made during the Katsina State Economic and Investment Summit, where TORQ Agro Allied announced a ₦3.5 billion investment in an ultra-modern poultry farm with hatchery facilities, currently under construction.
In addition, TORQ Agro Allied has committed $11 million to a soybeans aggregation and processing centre, supported by an organised out-grower system aligned with FRILIA principles.
Al-Hikima Fertilizer and Chemicals Nigeria Limited has also invested an initial ₦1 billion in fertiliser and agrochemical production, with plans to scale up to ₦5 billion in the coming years.
According to KIPA, these investments are expected to improve access to quality inputs, strengthen agricultural productivity, deepen value chain development, and create sustainable livelihoods for farmers across Katsina State.
Source: Business Day
Image Credit: Katsina Govt
