The Katsina State Government has launched the free distribution of improved cassava stem cuttings and fertiliser to cassava farmers to boost production and support farmers across the state.
Hikaya Newspaper reports that the state Ministry of Agriculture organised the distribution event at the Katsina State Secretariat on Thursday, October 8, 2026. The Commissioner for Ministry of Agriculture, Hon. Aliyu Lawal Shargalle, said the initiative was part of the government’s efforts to promote agricultural development and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
The commissioner explained that after the farmers harvest their cassava, the ministry will purchase the produce for processing and marketing. He also urged the beneficiaries to use the distributed stem cuttings and fertiliser for their intended purpose rather than sell them, to ensure the programme achieves its objectives.
In his remarks, Alhaji Sani, who represented the Katsina State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), commended Governor Dikko Umar Radda for supporting cassava farmers and fulfilling his promises to them. He said the availability of fertiliser at affordable prices since the current administration took office had helped reduce farmers’ production costs.
The representative of the Emir of Katsina, Sarkin Dawan Katsina, highlighted the importance of cassava in food production and the manufacture of various processed products. He also conveyed the Emir’s appreciation to the governor for his efforts to improve agriculture and support farmers, while congratulating the cassava farmers on receiving the assistance.
The Chairman of the Katsina State Cassava Farmers Association, Alhaji Hassan Yunusa Danmarke, thanked the governor for the programme and for appointing Hon. Aliyu Lawal Shargalle as Commissioner for Agriculture. He said the farmers had renewed their commitment to supplying cassava to the government, adding that they intended to deliver 700,000 votes in the 2027 elections. He also called on the government to provide modern equipment for processing cassava leaves, peels and other by-products.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, the Secretary to the Katsina State Government, Barrister Abdullahi Garba Faskari, who represented him at the event, said cassava was an important crop that could be used to produce food and various processed products. He noted that the state government had established a cassava processing centre in Batsari Local Government Area to further develop the sector.
He added that the government had introduced a monitoring system to ensure beneficiaries used the support appropriately. He warned that anyone found misusing the materials would be disqualified from receiving similar assistance or other agricultural support from the government in the future. In his remarks, the commissioner also urged farmers to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
