Katsina State Government has spent N5.4 billion to empower 3,610 women across the state with four goats each.
The state Governor, Dikko Radda announced this during the launch of the support distribution for the goat-rearing initiative at Dan-Nakolo in Daura Local Government Area.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the governor said the move marks a significant milestone in the transformative step toward making the State a leading hub for livestock production in the northern region and across in Nigeria.
He explained that the Goat Rearing Initiative which cost N5.7 billion is designed to empower local farmers, especially women groups, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and community level committees by providing them with the resources, training, and support they need to rear goats successfully.
The Governor added that the program will cover essential aspects such as animal nutrition, health management, and sustainable farming techniques, reaffirming his administration's commitment in harnessing the vast agricultural potentials in the state.
"About 40,000 heads of goats have been earmarked for distribution to successful beneficiaries which were selected purely by the community level committee across the 361 wards of the state.
Governor Radda pointed that within this year, the government is establishing a goat farm in Rimi local government of the Katsina senatorial zone for the purpose of genetic improvement, high milk and manure, adding that it will serve as a multiplier for goat production, breeding and animal husbandry as well as a training centre.