To combat the annual outbreak of pests affecting farmlands at the beginning of every farming season, the Katsina State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KTARDA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has organized a one-day training for 102 agricultural extension staff out of 756 across the 34 Local Government Areas of the state.
Hikaya Newspaper reports that the training focused on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for the prevention and control of emergency pest and disease outbreaks in Katsina State.
Welcoming participants at the event held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Federal Secretariat Conference Hall, Katsina, Alhaji Abubakar Dabo expressed appreciation for the commitment of extension workers towards achieving the Katsina State Government’s goal of agricultural development.
He noted that since the beginning of the year, the state has organized four training programs for its agricultural extension workers. According to him, Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda, being an agriculturist and a practicing farmer, remains committed to transforming the agricultural sector through capacity building and modern practices.
Dabo explained that the main purpose of the program was to refresh the knowledge of extension staff and enhance their capacity in tackling pest infestations that often threaten farm yields during the rainy season. He added that the training would help officers better guide farmers on how to prevent and control pest attacks to ensure food security and productivity across the state.
Presenting a theoretical paper on Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Malam Tanimu Hamza defined pests as any living organisms that attack and damage agricultural crops, while pesticides are substances used to control harmful organisms that affect crop production.
He emphasized that IPM relies on continuous monitoring, accurate pest identification, and understanding pest life cycles to make informed decisions—minimizing risks to human health and the environment while reducing pesticide dependence.
Hamza further highlighted key principles of IPM, including Monitoring and Identification, Prevention and Cultural Measures, Biological Control, Mechanical Control, Chemical Control, and Ecosystem Focus. He also explained the benefits of IPM, the appropriate use of pesticides, methods of pesticide application, factors influencing method choice, and steps in calibration. Additionally, he discussed how agrochemicals should be properly handled both on the field and in storage facilities to prevent environmental hazards.
During the practical session, Malam Usman Maje Haji, a pesticide expert, demonstrated the correct procedures for mixing, measuring, and applying pesticides using standard safety gear. He also showed participants how to identify early signs of pest invasion, apply the right dosage, and dispose of empty pesticide containers safely to avoid soil and water contamination.
The event was attended by top officials of KTARDA and the Ministry, including Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, Director of KTARDA, who commended the participants for their active engagement and urged them to extend the knowledge gained to farmers across the state to boost agricultural productivity and improve food security for the people of Katsina.