Rédaction Africa Links 24 with News Desk
Published on 2024-03-26 16:36:54
Katsina State Government has taken a proactive step in improving agricultural production by converting 722 local government workers into agricultural extension service officers. This decision was announced by Governor Dikko Radda during a two-day training session themed “Building the Future of Extension Services” in Katsina.
Governor Radda highlighted the need for this conversion to address the shortage of manpower in agricultural extension services in the state. As of May 2023, only 72 extension workers were available in the entire state, which was inadequate to support farmers effectively. The new initiative aims to ensure that each of the 361 political wards across the 34 local government areas has at least two agricultural extension service workers.
The governor emphasized the importance of extension services in driving agricultural development, stating that it is a game-changer for the sector. He mentioned that the converted workers would undergo training in their respective senatorial zones and local government areas to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills. Each worker would be provided with a motorcycle to facilitate their movement within their assigned area of responsibility.
Governor Radda also reassured farmers that the government would supply them with improved seeds and other inputs to enhance productivity. The Commissioner of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Prof. Ahmed Bakori, reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming agricultural activities to achieve food sufficiency and security while addressing the prevailing insecurity in the state.
The extension workers’ role is crucial in conveying up-to-date scientific information related to farming directly to farmers, as outlined by the commissioner. Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, the Managing Director of Katsina State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority, emphasized the importance of the participants paying attention during training to effectively disseminate the information to farmers.
He further urged farmers to collaborate with the extension service workers to facilitate the overall development of agriculture in the state. The government’s focus on strengthening extension services and providing support to farmers reflects a strategic approach towards improving agricultural production and food security in Katsina State.
In conclusion, the conversion of local government workers to agricultural extension service officers is a significant step towards enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting farmers in Katsina State. Through training, provision of resources, and collaboration with farmers, the government aims to build a sustainable agricultural future for the state.
Read the original article on DailyNigerian.com
