The Katsina State Government on Friday lamented that the prevailing banditry and other nefarious activities afflicting the state have forced farmers to abandon 58,000 hectares of arable farmlands in communities across the state.


The Special Adviser to the state government on Agriculture, Dr. Abba Abdallah, who disclosed this during a ministerial briefing with journalists at the Government House, said banditry has crippled most economic activities in the state.

He maintained that the heinous activities orchestrated by bandits and kidnappers have drastically affected the food production capacity of the state and government’s quest to revamp its economic status.

He said: “500 farmlands have been abandoned by farmers in the state due to banditry. The abandoned farmlands amount to 58,000 hectares and this has affected 30 per cent of our annual food production.”


He, however, said the state government in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) implemented the Anchor Borrowers Programme and the sum of N12 billion was invested in 170,000 rice farmers in the state.

The special adviser reiterated that the 170,000 benefiting rice farmers were able to produce about 250,000 metric tonnes of rice and estimated sum of N4.8 million was generated as profit to farmers and N78,000,000 to state government as taxes and levies.


Abdallah explained that four rice mills and three new cotton ginneries were established across the state, adding that the programme generated 1,207,000 and 120,000 short and long term employments.

He said: “Katsina State in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria implanted the Anchor Borrowers Programme in 2015. Farmers’ groups have taken over the management of the project with the state coordinating beginning from 2017.

“Since then, a total sum of about N12 billion has been invested in 170,00 rice farmers that benefited and were able to produce 250,000 metric tonnes of rice.


“Cotton production also attracted investment of about N16.65 billion for 42,500 farmers that produced 59,000 metric tonnes. The sum of N602,000 was invested in 37,747 maize farmers who produced 45,000mtn.”

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/10/02/banditry-forces-farmers-to-abandon-58000htrs-of-farmland-in-katsina/

Why can’t these part of the North be heavily policed and militarized like the Southeast? This will reduce insecurity significantly. Saw a video or military vehicle parading Kanus home on Independence Day, if that is happening in those northern areas this would help the people.

Why is Buhari still retaining the service chiefs?

Buhari is working

If Buhari doesn't do anything to these bandits issues ravaging his zone, I pity northerners when a Southerner takes over because the person will careless about their issues,, atleast Buhari has opened our eyes to fact that all future presidents should answer mainly to his people

Our President home state self no de safe

Sai Babaaa... Next level indeed...

truthfulparrot:
Why is Buhari still retaining the service chiefs?

Wrong question...

The right one is.... Why is Buhari still the president?...

The vegetable ought to have reside Long ago.. but the goodies that comes with the office won't allow go away...

The boarders remains shut against food coming in yet we can't get it together

Food stuffs prices continue to skyrocket because of insecurity... Buhari is a calamity

I just want any southerner in 2023 to employ even unborn children,heavens will not fall, buhari has taught us,we will give them the remix

Meaning bandits/terrorists ti take over.Meanwhile, the government lies continue

Racoon:
Meaning bandits/terrorists ti take over.Meanwhile, the government lies continue

Food don de expensive too much, with 20k wetin you go buy no go full lylon

Nigeria don enter one chance.


Southerners are foolish.

truthfulparrot:
Why is Buhari still retaining the service chiefs?

For regime security

maiunguwar:
For regime security

Wetin be that?

Please ooo

They should go back to their farms

Nigeria needs food now

I will call Brutai now to send some Python dancers to protect them

sapientia:
Please ooo

They should go back to their farms

Nigeria needs food now

I will call Brutai now to send some Python dancers to protect them

Make una call lala

Bandits/boko haram taking over everywhere in the north...

If you are traveling from Onitsha to Owerri you will see not less than 12 army/police/anti-terrorism squad check points....

abi if check points de like this for north all this insecurity go de.... Let's stop make fun of ourselves biko

Next level