A recent National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report for the second quarter of 2025 which shows that Katsina State, recording food inflation at just 6.9% and headline inflation at 16.2%, stands as the most affordable state in Nigeria. This remarkable performance is attributed to the State’s low food inflation and the deliberate, far-reaching anti-inflationary policies introduced by the administration of Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, Ph.D., CON since assuming office in 2023.
This development comes as no surprise to the people of Katsina, given the administration’s intentional and sustained investments aimed at restoring the State’s historic reputation for agricultural productivity. Agriculture remains the backbone of Katsina’s economy and the primary source of livelihood for the majority of its population. Recognizing its pivotal role in ensuring food security, driving economic diversification, and creating jobs, Governor Radda’s administration has implemented bold, comprehensive, and people-centered reforms in the agricultural sector.
Guided by the government’s strategic blueprint, “Building Your Future,” the administration has achieved remarkable progress through the rollout of well-designed agricultural and water development programs across all parts of the State, ensuring that Katsina not only feeds its people but strengthens its position as a major food producer in Nigeria.
These interventions aim to ensure sustainable and integrated development, enhance the quality of life, and improve the overall prosperity of citizens. The agricultural and water sectors were deliberately prioritized by the Radda administration in recognition of their vital roles as engines of economic growth, providing the essential foundation for food security, employment generation, poverty alleviation, and improved livelihoods.
Under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the government invested heavily in the procurement of 20,000 metric tons of fertilizer for the 2024 farming season and another 20,000 MT for 2025. It also distributed 722 motorcycles and knapsack sprayers to Extension Workers across all 361 wards, enhancing farm-level support and ensuring the diffusion of modern production techniques. To institutionalize agricultural mechanization, the administration established a comprehensive Agricultural Mechanization Center, which was commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a working visit to Katsina, and procured 400 tractors with full accessories, 1,000 hand planters, and 10 combine harvesters. Mechanization centers were also set up in all 34 LGAs, enabling farmers to access modern tools and significantly improving agricultural output. These critical investments contributed to Katsina securing a N25 billion intervention from the Federal Government.
To address post-harvest losses, the State invested in upgrading seven zonal produce stores located in Funtua, Daura, Katsina, Mani, Kankia, Kafinsoli, and Malumfashi. This intervention has enhanced storage capacity, improved food preservation, and reduced wastage across key value chains.
One of the administration’s landmark accomplishments is the revival of the long-abandoned Songhai Farm Centre at Makera, Dutsin-Ma. Now fully operational, the center serves as a hub for modern agricultural training and youth empowerment. Recently, 102 young trainees from all 34 LGAs completed training at the center, each receiving a ₦1 million grant to establish their own agribusiness ventures, expanding value chains and promoting youth-led agricultural innovation.
Under the Katsina State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KTARDA), the government expended about N300m for agricultural improvement programs, including the purchase of 40 motorcycles for monitoring, procurement of agro-chemicals for pest control, and the distribution of over 54,150 Moringa seeds to farmers. The authority also conducted a comprehensive Farmer Data Generation and Review Exercise to improve data-driven planning and intervention targeting.
Additionally, under the Farmers Supply Company Ltd (FASCOKT), about N400m was spent on warehouse rehabilitation and the distribution of seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural implements to ensure steady access to inputs by farmers.
In the livestock subsector, the administration launched the ₦5.7 billion Goat Rearing Initiative Programme, one of the most impactful rural empowerment initiatives in Nigeria. A total of 32,490 goats were distributed across all wards, with 3,000 goats allocated for artificial insemination at the Ladanawa Farm Centre and 70 hectares reserved for pasture development. The State also implemented mass vaccination campaigns against diseases such as anthrax, safeguarding rural livelihoods and strengthening food systems.
Recently, the governor approved the demerging of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development to establish a standalone Ministry of Livestock Development. This strategic reform is aimed at providing clearer policy direction, strengthening institutional focus, and accelerating the implementation of livestock-specific initiatives and programs across the State.
To ensure all-year farming, the administration established the Katsina State Irrigation Development Authority (KTIDA), which has invested over ₦8 billion in dry-season agriculture, including the procurement of 4,000 powered tillers, 4,000 solar-powered pumps, and 48,000 bags of fertilizers. An additional ₦3.3 billion was spent on procuring tractor drill machines, air compressors, and a cutter suction dredger to improve irrigation infrastructure. Major dams such as Daberam, Bakori, and Sagawa were also repaired to enhance water availability for farmers.
Another milestone in the State’s digital transformation is the completion and commissioning of the Katsina Sustainable Platform for Agriculture (KASPA), a state-of-the-art digital system launched by Vice President Kashim Shettima. KASPA is designed to enhance agricultural planning, strengthen coordination across value chains, and connect farmers with markets and financial services, ushering in a new era of data-driven agricultural governance.
These extensive sub-national efforts, aligned with Federal Government initiatives, have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s overall decline in inflation, now standing at just 16.05% nationwide. Beyond the numbers, these are strategic, far-reaching investments aimed at expanding productivity, improving livelihoods, building resilience, and driving inclusive economic growth.
Governor Radda’s agricultural reforms have placed Katsina on a new trajectory toward food security, economic expansion, and job creation. Through targeted investments in mechanization, input support, irrigation, livestock development, digital platforms, and youth empowerment, the administration has revitalized the agricultural sector and positioned Katsina as a model for modern agricultural transformation in Nigeria and West Africa. Under the “Building Your Future” agenda, the vision of a self-reliant, food-secure, and economically empowered Katsina State is fast becoming a reality.
MS Ingawa is the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Media and Strategy.
