Food Security: South Korean Foundation trains 200 Katsina farmers in rice farming to boost productivity

*SAEMAUL Foundation of South Korea trains 200 local farmers in Katsina State of Nigeria in the advanced knowledge of rice farming as part of measures to increase their productivity

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

As part of efforts at improving livelihoods, income generation, and consumers’ health through agriculture, about 200 local farmers in Katsina State have undergone extensive training in the advanced knowledge of rice farming to increase their productivity in the North-West state in Nigeria.

ConsumerConnect gathered that a South Korean Foundation organised the training programme Monday, October 7, 2024, in the Katsina Old Government House Banquet Hall, and the session drew participants from Dutsinma and Matazu Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

Speaking on the importance of the training, Alhaji Tukur Jikamshi, Director-General of the Katsina Investment Promotion Agency, reportedly stated that hitherto, farmers in the state were producing 2.5 to 7 tonnes per hectare, but are currently producing more than eight tonnes per hectare because of the training.

Jikamshi disclosed that the second phase of the training to involve 400 more farmers alongside 200 extension workers will equally be trained this year.

The Director-General said: “SAEMAUL Foundation of South Korea is doing a project of five million Dollars in Katsina State for five years.

“The project is designated to two villages of Makera ward in Dutsinma and its surrounding villages as well as Raddawa ward in Matazu LGA and its surrounding villages.”

He further explained: “The Foundation has done a lot of constructions of irrigation facilities, such as boreholes, irrigation and drainage facilities in the benefiting areas.

“In Raddawa, they are doing the irrigation facilities on 40 hectares of land and have undertaken several boreholes around the villages and they are doing 60 hectares at Makera village.”

Alhaji Jikamshi also affirmed that “Sayaya is one of the biggest wards not only in Matazu but also in Katsina State so also Makera village.

“What we have seen today is a training of 150 farmers with extension

“The impact of the training and the infrastructure and education facilities that have been constructed in the area.”

The Director-General stated: “Before the arrival of this Foundation, farmers were producing 2.5 to 7 tonnes per hectare but today they are doing more than eight tonnes per hectare.

“Therefore, there’s improvement in livelihoods, income generation and health as well as in girl child enrollment in the area as a result of their efforts.