By Gift Chapi-Odekina, Abuja

ABUJA — Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has unveiled a $1 million food security project aimed at strengthening the resilience of farming communities against climate-related shocks and approved financial support for 361 agricultural entrepreneurs in the state.

The 12-month project, titled “Protecting Food Security Against Recurring Floods and Drought,” is being implemented by Mercy Corps Nigeria in collaboration with the Katsina State Development Management Board and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

Speaking at the launch in Katsina, Radda said the intervention would initially cover Bindawa, Bakori and Kafur Local Government Areas, with emphasis on protecting vulnerable farming communities from the effects of flooding and drought.

Under the project, 12 solar-powered water systems will be rehabilitated, while 150 farms will benefit from soil bunds, contour barriers and drainage systems.

The initiative will also support the restoration of degraded land, rehabilitation of 150 food storage facilities and distribution of 500 hermetic storage bags to improve food preservation and reduce post-harvest losses.

According to the governor, the project will promote climate-smart farming and livelihood diversification for about 300 women, while creating cash-for-work opportunities for 180 people.

Radda also announced N1 million take-off packages for each of the 361 graduates of the second DRATESS-Songhai agricultural training programme.

He explained that each beneficiary would initially receive N500,000, while the balance would be released in phases based on the establishment and performance of the beneficiaries’ agricultural enterprises.

The governor urged the beneficiaries to use the support to establish viable businesses, create employment and contribute to the state’s agricultural economy.

He also disclosed plans to expand the Makera Songhai Centre to accommodate up to 1,000 trainees, describing the initiative as part of efforts to develop a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs in the state.

As part of the administration’s agricultural mechanisation programme, Radda also inspected a mobile workshop truck procured to provide repair and maintenance services for the state’s fleet of 400 tractors deployed across farming communities.

Meanwhile, the Katsina State Executive Council approved an empowerment programme targeting 49,640 women across 361 wards and 34 local government areas.

The council also approved the reconstruction of the Bindawa-Dallaje-Doro-Giremawa-Duwan-Duwan Junction Road, while consideration was given to scholarships for students undergoing Qur’anic education.

The state government said the initiatives were part of its broader strategy to increase agricultural production, strengthen climate resilience, support enterprise development, improve rural infrastructure and expand social and economic opportunities for residents.