Agricultural experts and stakeholders have met in Katsina to discuss emerging challenges affecting crop production in the state.
The meeting, organized by the Katsina State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority in collaboration with the Institute for Agricultural Research and the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, was a Quarterly Technical Review Meeting (QTRM) on cereals production. The seminar focused on the theme “Emerging Challenges Facing Cereals Production in Katsina State: Problems and Prospects.”
Speaking at the opening of the seminar, the Managing Director of KTARDA, Abubakar Dabo, said the meeting was organized to create a platform where experts, researchers, and farmers could share ideas on improving food production in the state.
He explained that agriculture remains a key sector in the state’s economy and stressed the need for strong collaboration between researchers and farmers to overcome current challenges. Dabo also reaffirmed the commitment of the Katsina State Government under Dikko Umar Radda to support farmers and promote agricultural development.
Presenting a paper at the seminar, Professor Ibrahim Umar Abubakar from the Department of Agronomy at the Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, discussed the effects of climate change on farming and the need for proper water management and conservation. He also spoke about challenges such as pests and diseases, including Striga weed, fall armyworms, and rice blast disease, as well as better harvest and post-harvest management for cereals and legumes.
Professor Abubakar commended the government and farmers in Katsina State for their continued efforts to produce food despite security challenges in some farming areas. He noted that more support should be given to farmers who have been affected by insecurity so they can return to farming activities and improve crop production and productivity.
Another paper titled “Emerging Challenges Facing Horticultural Crop Production in Nigeria: Emphasis on Pests and Diseases in Katsina State” was presented by Bashir Muhammad Sani from the Agricultural Engineering and Irrigation Programme of NAERLS, represented by the NAERLS Coordinator, Jabir Aliyu. The presentation highlighted key constraints facing horticultural crop production in Nigeria, including pest and disease outbreaks, limited access to improved seeds, and weak extension services.
He said pests such as Tuta Absoluta, aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes have caused serious losses for farmers in northern Nigeria, especially in Katsina State.
Participants at the seminar expressed satisfaction with the discussions, saying the meeting provided useful knowledge on how to address farming challenges. Many of them called for stronger cooperation between research institutions, government agencies, and farmers to improve agricultural productivity.
The seminar was held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Federal Secretariat Conference Hall in Katsina.