Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has deployed 38 tractors and 4,000 clean-cook stoves under the Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, as the state recorded over 2.5 million beneficiaries from land restoration, livelihood support and environmental service-delivery interventions.
The governor announced this on Wednesday at the flag-off ceremony for the deployment of climate-resilience equipment in Katsina, describing the initiative as a major step toward strengthening environmental sustainability, sanitation and agricultural productivity across the state.
According to him, the ACReSAL project has so far restored more than 30,000 hectares of degraded land and executed key infrastructure projects, including storm-water drainage systems in Katsina metropolis, riverbank protection works in Jibia, water-harvesting facilities and the provision of 180 solar-powered boreholes for domestic use and irrigation.
Governor Radda said the equipment deployed includes five Bobcat machines, heavy-duty trucks, payloaders and a swamp buggy, all aimed at enhancing sanitation, flood control, climate adaptation and mechanised agriculture.
“This intervention is not just about commissioning equipment, but about renewing our responsibility to protect our land, water and environment for future generations,” the governor said.
He added that the state government has also procured 80,000 tonnes of fertiliser, improved seeds, herbicides and other mechanisation tools to boost food production and combat desertification, noting that swamp buggies would support dam and canal development.
The governor further disclosed that tree nurseries in Dikke, Kabukawa and Daura had been rehabilitated for large-scale seedling production, while water-conservation structures were constructed at Sabon Layi Galadima in Faskari to strengthen environmental resilience.
He urged residents to adopt responsible environmental practices, warning against indiscriminate waste disposal and deforestation, and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a cleaner, healthier and more climate-resilient Katsina State.
ACReSAL State Project Coordinator, Engr. El-Sunayes, said the 4,000 energy-efficient cook stoves were procured to reduce reliance on firewood, protect planted trees and curb deforestation, particularly in rural communities.
He explained that the Bobcat machines, tractors, waste-disposal trucks and payloaders would significantly improve drainage desilting, sanitation, flood control and urban hygiene, with long-term environmental benefits.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Hamza Suleiman, described the ACReSAL intervention as a major milestone toward achieving a cleaner, healthier and more environmentally sustainable Katsina State.
Speaking on the social impact of the intervention, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Aisha Aminu Malumfashi, said the clean-cook stoves would promote safer cooking practices, reduce dependence on firewood and improve family health, especially for women and children.
The event was attended by members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, legislators, senior government officials, youth groups and community leaders.
The development was disclosed in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed.
