Radda Commissions Cassava/Gari Processing Centre, Boosts Katsina’s Agricultural Value Chain

By Zainab Tanimu

The Katsina State Government has taken another step towards strengthening agricultural development with the inauguration of a modern Cassava/Gari Processing Centre aimed at enhancing value addition, creating jobs and improving the livelihoods of farmers across the state.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda said the project reflects his administration’s determination to translate campaign promises into practical development that directly benefits the people.

He also announced that the facility has been named the Dr. Abba Sayyadi Ruma Cassava/Gari Processing Centre in honour of the late former Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources, Dr. Abba Sayyadi Ruma.

Describing the project as a milestone, the governor said, “Today is a celebration of vision. It is the fulfilment of a promise. It is another demonstration that when government is driven by sincerity of purpose, commitment and accountability, campaign promises can indeed become reality.”

Governor Radda recalled that his administration came into office with a commitment to agriculture, job creation, rural development, poverty reduction and the empowerment of women and youths, noting that the processing centre is another step towards fulfilling those promises.

He stressed that agriculture remains the backbone of Katsina State’s economy but said greater prosperity depends on adding value to farm produce through processing and agro-industrialisation.

“Agriculture is not merely a means of livelihood. It is an engine of economic growth, a pillar of food security and a driver of industrial development. Real prosperity lies in adding value to what we produce,” he said.

The governor observed that although Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of cassava, inadequate processing facilities have prevented many farmers from maximising the crop’s economic potential.

According to him, the new facility will strengthen the cassava value chain by providing reliable markets, reducing post-harvest losses, improving household incomes and creating employment opportunities, particularly for women and young people.

Highlighting the opportunities available through agribusiness, Radda urged youths to embrace innovation in agriculture, saying,

“This centre represents opportunity. Agriculture has become a business. The future belongs to those who innovate, process, package and create value.”

He also reassured residents of Batsari of his administration’s commitment to improving security and expanding economic opportunities, while noting that the state’s agricultural transformation agenda includes investments in mechanised farming, irrigation, improved seedlings, climate-smart agriculture, extension services, storage facilities and access to finance.

Governor Radda charged the management of the processing centre to run the facility efficiently and transparently, urging farmers, cooperatives, women groups and youth associations to protect it for the benefit of present and future generations.

Earlier, Director-General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), Dr. Babangida Kabir Ruma, described the centre as a major investment in rural enterprise development.

“This centre is more than a processing facility. It will create employment, empower women and young people, strengthen rural enterprises and add value to cassava production across Katsina State,” he said.

He assured stakeholders of the agency’s continued support for enterprise development and wealth creation while encouraging beneficiaries to make effective use of the facility.

Also speaking, Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe said the project further demonstrates Governor Radda’s commitment to agricultural transformation and urged farmers, women and youths to take full advantage of the opportunities it offers.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Batsari Local Government, Hon. Mannir Mu’azu, thanked the governor for the intervention, describing it as a project that would stimulate the local economy and improve the lives of residents.

The event was attended by members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers, traditional rulers, development partners, community leaders, farmers, women and youth groups, who described the commissioning as another significant step towards promoting agro-industrial growth and economic diversification in Katsina State.

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