Foundation hosts national agriculture symposium in Katsina
The Sardaunan Katsina Ahmed Rufai Abubakar Foundation on Tuesday convened a national symposium on agriculture, food security, and poverty alleviation in Katsina. The event brought together policymakers, agricultural experts, researchers, farmers, and development practitioners to explore strategies for enhancing productivity and strengthening the agricultural value chain. Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda, represented by the […]
The Sardaunan Katsina Ahmed Rufai Abubakar Foundation on Tuesday convened a national symposium on agriculture, food security, and poverty alleviation in Katsina.
The event brought together policymakers, agricultural experts, researchers, farmers, and development practitioners to explore strategies for enhancing productivity and strengthening the agricultural value chain.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Garba Faskari, reaffirmed the central role of agriculture in the state’s development agenda.
He highlighted the government’s investments in mechanisation, irrigation, and rural infrastructure.
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In his address, Ambassador Ahmed Rufa’i Abubakar, former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency and chairman of the foundation, said the symposium aimed to identify practical solutions to food insecurity and rural poverty through sustainable agricultural transformation.
He underscored the importance of collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector.
Dr. Engr. Umar Bindir, a renowned agricultural engineer and policy expert, decried the underutilisation of Nigeria’s vast arable land and human capital.
He called for a national model that integrates innovation, technology, and policy reform to generate employment, particularly for young people.
Earlier, Governor Radda commissioned a model agricultural project-The Farm Katsina (TFK) Ltd-in Shinkafi. The modern farm, established by Ambassador Abubakar, focuses on livestock breeding, poultry management, grain processing, and smart irrigation.
Speaking at the commissioning, Governor Radda praised the project as a shining example of what can be achieved through vision, commitment, and strategic investment. He also pledged government support for similar private-sector-led agricultural initiatives.
Ambassador Abubakar recalled that the farm began as a small dream in 2006/2007 and has grown into a thriving commercial enterprise, supported by partners such as the Central Bank of Nigeria through EcoBank.