The wife of Katsina State Governor, Zulaihat Radda, has launched a groundbreaking sustainable moringa farming initiative designed to empower 3.6 million women across the state. This initiative, part of her Safe Space Humanitarian Initiative, collaborates with the state Ministry for Agriculture and Livestock Development to promote economic independence among women and youth.
At the unveiling ceremony in Katsina, Radda emphasized that the program will equip women with moringa seedlings and essential resources over several years. This initiative is poised to combat food insecurity, malnutrition, poverty, and unemployment within the community.
“This project goes beyond farming; it is a pathway to economic empowerment for women and youth,” Radda stated. Participating women will receive financial support of N50,000 after successfully nurturing their moringa trees for three months.
The initiative sets ambitious production goals, targeting 34 tonnes of moringa leaves monthly and 50 tonnes of seeds quarterly. To ensure the project’s sustainability, partnerships will be established between beneficiaries and both local and international markets for consistent purchasing of moringa products.
Radda also highlighted that comprehensive training and market access support will be provided to all participants. The Commissioner for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Prof. Ahmed Mohammed, confirmed the close collaboration with the initiative, underscoring the program’s essential components, including seedling selection, planting, watering, harvesting, sun-drying, and packaging of moringa for diverse markets.
“Moringa is a highly nutritious and adaptable crop that flourishes in our local climate,” Mohammed noted, expressing confidence that with steadfast support from the state government and development partners, the program will achieve its goals. He urged beneficiaries to seize this opportunity and play a pivotal role in transforming the agricultural landscape of the state.
