Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has launched the 4th Circle of the KT-CARES Programme, an initiative worth over N3.9 billion aimed at addressing socioeconomic challenges and supporting vulnerable communities.
Speaking during the event at Malumfashi Township Stadium, Governor Radda disclosed that 19,068 farmers across Katsina State will receive agricultural inputs and assets, including day-old chickens, fish fingerlings, thrashers, power tillers, hammer millers, groundnut extraction machines, and solar water pumps.
The tools are intended to improve farming activities, boost productivity, and promote self-reliance among rural farmers.
“Our focus on agriculture is to sustain livelihoods and position Katsina as a hub for agro-economic development,” Governor Radda said. “This programme reflects our belief in empowering communities through strategic support and engagement.”
The KT-CARES Programme also allocates grants to 65 communities, ranging from N11 million to N2 million, for community-driven development projects. Additionally, 3,600 vulnerable individuals will receive livelihood grants via debit cards, while 4,095 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will access business development grants ranging from N100,000 to N500,000.
Governor Radda emphasized that this phase builds on the success of the previous three circles, which collectively spent over N9.2 billion on farmers, SMEs, and community development projects. Over 23,800 farmers benefited from the earlier initiatives, enhancing their productivity and income.
The Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Bello H. Kagara, highlighted the programme’s success, attributing it to Governor Radda’s proactive leadership. He noted that Katsina’s initial poor ranking in the NG-CARES Programme motivated the administration to implement reforms that led to significant progress.
KT-CARES Coordinator, Malam Nafiu Mohammad Musa, praised the Governor’s support and assured residents of Katsina State of the programme’s continued dedication to its objectives.
