Governor Radda opens new cassava processing centre in Batsari

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has opened the Cassava/Gari Processing Centre in Batsari Local Government Area. This move shows his government’s dedication to improving agriculture and boosting the economy.

Governor Radda named the centre after the late Dr Abba Sayyadi Ruma, who was a former Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources.

At the opening ceremony, Governor Radda said the project is part of his promise to better the lives of citizens through real development efforts.

“Today is a celebration of vision. It is the fulfilment of a promise. It shows that when government is sincere, accountable, and committed, campaign promises can become real,” the governor said.

He reminded everyone that his government started with a promise to invest in agriculture, create jobs, develop rural areas, reduce poverty, and empower women and youth.

He said opening the processing centre shows they are sticking to that promise.

“From the start, we decided to focus on projects that truly improve our people's lives. Today, we are delivering on another vital part of that promise,” Mr Radda stated.

The governor called agriculture the backbone of Katsina State’s economy. He said the future of agriculture relies on processing, packaging, storage, marketing, and industrialization.

He believes that more wealth can come when farmers process their products into goods that earn more money and create jobs.

“Agriculture is not just a way to make a living. It drives economic growth, supports food security, and aids industrial development. Real wealth is in adding value to what we produce,” he explained.

Governor Radda pointed out that cassava is one of the most important food crops globally and has great potential for industry and commerce.

He noted that even though Nigeria is the largest producer of cassava, poor processing facilities have stopped farmers from benefiting fully.

The processing centre will boost the cassava value chain and offer economic chances for rural communities.

“This processing centre will give farmers steady markets, cut down on post-harvest losses, improve family incomes, and create jobs for our youth and women,” he added.

He recognized women's crucial role in agriculture and said the new facility will lessen the workload of traditional methods while improving efficiency and profit.

He also encouraged young people to see agriculture and agribusiness as ways to create lasting wealth.

“This centre represents opportunity. Agriculture is now a business. The future is for those who innovate, process, package, and create value,” Mr Radda stressed.

He praised the people of Batsari for their hard work and resilience. He assured them that his government will keep working to improve security and economic chances.

He mentioned that the state’s agricultural transformation plan includes better seeds, mechanized farming, irrigation, outreach services, climate-friendly farming, and rural infrastructure.

Mr Radda said the government is building a full agricultural value chain by offering farmers quality inputs, processing facilities, storage, market access, and funding opportunities.

“The future of our economy needs diversification. Agriculture, technology, innovation, education, and entrepreneurship must be our economic pillars,” Governor Radda said.

He urged the centre's management to run the facility well and transparently for the long-term benefit of farmers and users.

He also called on farmers, women groups, youth associations, and cooperatives to take care of and make good use of the facility for today and tomorrow.

Earlier, Babangida Kabir Ruma, the Director General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), said the cassava processing centre will create jobs, reduce post-harvest losses, and strengthen the cassava value chain with modern processing facilities.

“This centre is not just a processing place. It will create jobs, empower women and young people, boost rural businesses, and add value to cassava in Katsina State,” Dr Kabir Ruma said.

He urged farmers, cooperatives, women groups, and youth associations to use the facility well, promising KASEDA’s continued support for business development and wealth creation.

The Deputy Governor, Faruk Lawal Jobe, said the project shows Governor Radda’s commitment to change agriculture and grow the economy.

He asked farmers, women, and youth to take advantage of what the processing centre offers.

Mannir Mu’azu, the Chairman of Batsari Local Government, thanked Governor Radda for the project, calling it a major step that will uplift the local economy and lives of the people.

The event had many attendees, including the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, traditional leaders, state officials, community leaders, farmers, women groups, youth associations, and other government representatives.