A two-day capacity-building training on modern irrigation farming techniques for Agricultural Extension Agents and Irrigation Officers has commenced in Katsina State, aimed at strengthening food security and improving agricultural productivity.
The training, organized by the Katsina State Irrigation Development Authority (KTSIDA) in collaboration with the Katsina State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KTARDA) and MISBAH General Services, brought together participants selected from the 34 local government areas of the state to update their knowledge and skills on modern irrigation methods. After the training, participants are expected to replicate the knowledge gained to other officers in their respective areas.
Declaring the training open, the Katsina State Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Aliyu Lawal Zakari, represented by Engineer Shamsudden Sulaiman, urged participants to pay close attention to the lessons, noting that the Governor Dikko Umar Radda-led administration is committed to enhancing agricultural development and ensuring food sufficiency. He emphasized the importance of dedication from all stakeholders to achieve lasting progress in the sector.
In their separate remarks, the Managing Director of KTSIDA, Engineer Salim Isah, and the Managing Director of KTARDA, Alhaji Abubakar Dabo, described the training as timely and relevant, especially considering the role of irrigation farming in promoting food production and job creation. They also highlighted the critical roles of extension agents and irrigation officers in improving farming activities at the grassroots level.
The Managing Director of MISBAH General Services explained that the training combined both theoretical and practical sessions to ensure participants fully understood modern irrigation practices. Presentations on advanced irrigation techniques by resource persons formed part of the key highlights of the program, which stakeholders believe will further enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability across Katsina State.