Katsina govt. partners with CBN on food, cash crop production

The Katsina State Government says it is collaborating with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in efforts to boost food and cash crop production in the state.

The Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Mannir Yakuhu, said this on Tuesday in Katsina at the launch of 22 motorcycles and 15 vehicles that were provided for agricultural extension workers.

He said that more than 10,000 farmers had so far benefitted from the Katsina State/CBN rice production programme.

“The Katsina State Government has gone a step forward to partner with the private sector via out-grower arrangements for the production of various crops such as soya beans, sorghum, ginger, chilli pepper and sugarcane.

“The state government has released the sum of N200 million to facilitate the success of the Katsina State Government/CBN Agricultural Programme.

“The money (N200 million) is to cover the cost of logistics, thereby reducing the cost of production per hectare, on the part of the farmers.

“With the provision of 22 new motorcycles to block extension supervisors and 15 vehicles for directors, the Katsina State Agricultural Development Agency (KTARDA) is now primed to give quality extension services in the state.” he said

In his remarks, the Managing Director of KTARDA, Alhaji Ibrahim Musawa, congratulated the beneficiaries of the 22 brand-new motorcycles and the 15 Hilux Jeeps that were refurbished.

Musawa called on the extension workers to make judicious use of the vehicles and motorcycles.

He said that government had invested a lot of resources in the provision of these vehicles and motorcycles, adding that the agency would not tolerate their misuse by any member of staff.

He warned that any member of staff who misused the vehicles and motorcycles would be dealt with, according to the extant civil service rules.