Governor AbdulRahman Bello Radda of Katsina State has unveiled a state-of-the-art cassava/gari processing centre in Batsari Local Government Area, aiming to transform the agricultural sector and create sustainable economic opportunities.

The initiative seeks to address long-standing challenges such as inadequate processing facilities, which have limited farmers' ability to add value to their crops.

By modernizing the cassava value chain, the facility will reduce post-harvest losses, provide reliable markets for farmers, and generate employment for youth and women.

Governor Radda emphasized that agriculture is a business requiring innovation and investment, with processing and packaging as key drivers of economic growth.

The project aligns with broader state efforts to diversify the economy through improved seeds, mechanized farming, irrigation, and rural infrastructure development.

Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) director Babangida Kabir Ruma highlighted that the centre will empower women and young people while strengthening local enterprises.Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe reiterated the project's role in fulfilling Governor Radda's vision for agricultural transformation.

Local leaders praised the initiative as a major step toward improving livelihoods and boosting the state's economy through sustainable agribusiness.

The facility is expected to serve as a model for integrating agriculture with technology, education, and entrepreneurship to ensure long-term prosperity.