President Tinubu Commissions State-of-the-Art Agricultural Mechanisation Centre in Katsina to Drive Food Security and Economic Growth

In a landmark event, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commissioned the newly established Katsina State Agricultural Mechanisation Centre, equipped with 400 tractors and a suite of modern farming implements.

The centre is poised to transform agriculture in Katsina by introducing mechanised farming techniques and boosting productivity.

Addressing attendees, President Tinubu remarked, “This isn’t just about machines-it’s about food security, economic empowerment, and the future of our youth. Once we free ourselves from hunger, peace and prosperity will naturally follow.” He praised Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s administration for its rapid progress in agriculture, infrastructure, and social development, calling him “a governor of honesty, integrity, and commitment.”

The President assured the people of Katsina of the Federal Government’s unwavering support, stating, “Your governor is not walking alone-the Federal Government is standing with him, side by side.” He emphasized agriculture as central to Nigeria’s development strategy and declared the end of subsistence farming with investments in mechanisation and irrigation.

Highlighting financial reforms, Tinubu announced plans to restructure the Bank of Agriculture to enhance funding accessibility for farmers nationwide, aiming for food sovereignty.

The President also commended the state government’s completion of the 24km Ajiwa-Ruwan Godiya road in just 18 months and confirmed ongoing federal infrastructure projects, including the Katsina-Kano Road phase two and road rehabilitations in Maraba-Kankara-Zango-Katsina and Sabuwa-Rimi-Danja-Dayi-Funtua-Dandume corridors.

He projected the Kano–Jigawa–Katsina–Maradi Rail project’s completion by 2026, which will ease transportation and reduce road traffic.

“Let me assure you again: Katsina has not been forgotten. Many more federal projects are in the pipeline to support your growth and development,” Tinubu affirmed, honoring past Katsina leaders like the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

Governor Radda described agriculture as the backbone of Katsina’s economy, with over 450,000 smallholder farmers relying on government support. He detailed the mechanisation centre’s assets, including 400 Lovol tractors, combine harvesters, disc harrows, trailers, and multi-planters, which will lower cultivation costs and expand farming activities.

The Governor revealed a comprehensive survey of 411,000 farms, identifying high input costs and low soil fertility as major challenges. To address these, the state distributed 400,000 bags of fertilizer in 2024 and plans to distribute the same quantity for the 2025 wet season starting Monday. Additionally, over 6,000 solar-powered water pumps have been provided to support irrigation.

On infrastructure, Radda highlighted the Katsina Urban Renewal Project, featuring 55.53 km of 4-lane roads and over 110 km of township roads, completed ahead of schedule. He also mentioned the SURWASH water project, which will provide clean water to over one million residents.

He thanked President Tinubu for federal security support, including a ₦25 billion intervention, and acknowledged traditional rulers and political leaders for their contributions to the state’s development agenda.