Katsina — The Katsina State Government has announced plans to procure 400,000 bags of fertiliser and distribute to farmers across the 34 local government areas of the state to improve food production and mitigate the surge in food prices.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Prof. Ahmed Mohammed, stated this while declaring open a two-day State Level Conflict Prevention and Mitigation Dialogue organised by Mercy Corps in collaboration with his ministry.

He said the procurement of the fertiliser was in alignment with Governor Dikko Umaru Radda's strategic plan to boost agricultural production and guarantee farmers' access to quality inputs such as seeds and pesticides for a bumper harvest.

Mohammed said: "I have been directed by His Excellency, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda to purchase 400,000 bags of fertiliser to be distributed to farmers across the state for this year's farming season. This gesture will boost food production in the state."

He added that the state government would continue to provide improved agricultural inputs and machinery, as well as an enabling environment for farmers in the state to enhance their productivity.

The commissioner further said farmland in Jibia Local Government that was abandoned for over 20 years due to farmers/herders' conflict, had been reopened for farming activities because of the government's effort to restore peace in the state.

He, however, said terrorists' attacks had disrupted farming activities in Batsari, Kankara, Jibia and Danmusa, but the state government under the leadership of Governor Radda is committed to fostering peace in the affected areas for farmers to return to their ancestral homes.