SASHIN, Safe Space Humanitarian Initiative project by the wife of Katsina State Governor, Zulaihat Radda in partnership with the state Ministry for Agriculture and Livestock Development has launched a sustainable moringa farming programme aimed at empowering 3.6 million women in the Katsina state.
Speaking at the launch in Katsina on Monday, the wife of Katsina State Governor said the initiative would provide women with moringa seedlings and other resources for some years.
Furthermore, the programme would help in overcoming challenges of food insecurity, malnutrition, poverty and unemployment.
In her own words, “This project is not just about farming, but about creating a way for us to be economically independent, especially our women and youth.
“The initiative aims at achieving monthly production targets of 34 tonnes of moringa leaves and quarterly production of 50 tonnes of seeds.
“To ensure sustainability, SASHIN will facilitate partnerships between beneficiaries and both local and international markets for regular purchase of moringa products.”
She explained further that all participating women would receive N50,000 after successfully nurturing their trees over three months.
Mrs Radda also noted that comprehensive training and market access support would be provided to all participants.
Earlier, Prof. Ahmed Mohammed, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Livestock Development, said they were working closely with Safe Space Humanitarian Initiative, SASHIN, to ensure the programme succeeded.
The Commissioner explained that the programme’s components include seedling selection, planting, watering, harvesting, sun-drying, and packaging of moringa for both local and international markets adding that moringa farming was suitable for the region.
He said, “Moringa is a highly nutritious and versatile crop that thrives in our climate.
“With the unwavering support of the state government and our development partner, we’ll ensure that this programme achieves its intended impact.”
Encouraging the beneficiaries, he told them to take full advantage of the opportunity and contribute to the agricultural transformation of the state.