By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Katsina
Katsina state Executive Council has approved the establishment of mini-agricultural mechanisation centres across the 34 Local Government Areas of the state to boost farming and food security across the state.
The state Executive Council also approved that over 340 newly acquired tractors to be deployed across the state to boost farmers’ productivity.
The Executive Council also approved N1.5 billion for additional state secretariat offices for the new Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The approvals followed a meeting chaired by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda at the Government House.
Addressing journalists on the outcome of the Council meeting, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Prof. Ahmed Mohammed Bakori, revealed that each mini-centre will receive 10 tractors, totaling 340 tractors to be deployed across the state.
“Following the landmark commissioning of the Katsina State Agricultural Mechanisation Centre by the President on May 2nd, the Council has approved these mini-centres that will include administrative buildings, mini mechanical workshops for routine servicing, and designated parking spaces for tractors and equipment,” Bakori stated.
Prof. Bakori emphasised that the tractors will be managed through a Public-Private Partnership model and are not for sale.
“We kindly urge the public to refrain from calling or pressuring government officials to acquire tractors. Instead, interested farmers should visit the Agricultural Mechanisation Centre in their local government, submit their request, and clearly state the size of land they intend to cultivate,” he explained.
The Commissioner added that, “the government—through the foresight of Governor Dikko Radda—is considering offering discounts and subsidised rates to ease access for local farmers and tractor operators.”
In the infrastructure sector, Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Hon. Sani Magaji Ingawa, announced the approval of N1,496,337,462 for the construction of additional office buildings at the State Secretariat.
“This project is intended to provide office accommodation for newly established ministries, departments, and agencies created by this administration. The goal is to improve proximity, coordination, and efficiency in public service operations,” Ingawa stated.
Other approvals include infrastructure for the Dogon Gida Police Barracks Housing Layout, upward review of three stalled road construction contracts originally awarded in 2017, and the conversion of a bridge project to an Earth Dam in Ganuwa area along Radda Road at the cost of N2.44 billion.
“This strategic decision was made to better serve the people in the Ganuwa area, enhancing their irrigation and farming activities, and ultimately supporting the local economy,” the Works Commissioner said.
The rollout of the agricultural centres is scheduled to begin within this year’s rainy season, with the main Agricultural Mechanisation Centre in Katsina serving as a central support hub for all 34 mini-centres.