Katsina spends N3.4bn to boost agriculture business

The Katsina State Government spent N4.3 billion to boost agricultural activities in 2017, Governor Aminu Masari said, on Monday, in Katsina the state capital.
Masari told newsmen that 30,000 tonnes of fertilisers worth N4.08 billion were procured within the period, while N126 million was used to transport and distribute the commodity to the farmers.
He said that N72.8 million went into land mapping programme and the purchase of 136 tonnes of improved seeds that were distributed to farmers.
According to him, government also released N35.87 million as its counterpart funds to Fadama III project during the year.
He expressed happiness that the investments yielded fruits with the good harvest recorded in the year, saying that more funds would be sunk into the sector to boost yields, ensure food security and create jobs.
Masari expressed happiness that livestock farmers’ major headache – cattle rustling – had been eradicated, and commended the security agencies for the feat.
He said that government had provided social amenities at Rugu forest generally believed to be the abode of most cattle rustlers, to encourage them to engage in more positive ventures.
“We have provided roads, schools, veterinary clinics, earth dams and demarcated cattle routes. Livestock farming is now more secured,” he said.
The repentant cattle rustlers were recently granted amnesty after they surrendered their weapons to security agencies in the state.