Modern rice farming techniques have been taught to at least 200 local farmers in Katsina State’s Dutsinma and Matazu Local Government Areas as part of efforts to improve food security.

A South Korean charity called SAEMAUL led the training, which took place on Monday at the Katsina State Old Government House Banquet Hall.

According to Tukur Jikamshi, the director general of the Katsina Investment Promotion Agency, farmers in the state were previously producing 2.5 to 7 tonnes per hectare, but after receiving instruction, they were generating more than eight tonnes.

He stated that before the end of the year, 200 extension workers and 400 farmers would complete the second round of training.

The South Korean SAEMAUL Foundation is carrying out a five-year, $5 million initiative in Katsina State.

Two villages in Makera ward, Dutsinma LGA, and the surrounding areas, as well as Raddawa ward, Matazu LGA, and the nearby villages, are the project’s specified locations.

“In the benefiting areas, the foundation has constructed numerous irrigation facilities, including boreholes, irrigation systems, and drainage systems.

“They are installing irrigation systems on 40 hectares of land in Raddawa, drilling several boreholes around the villages, and completing 60 hectares at Makera village,” he stated.

The communities were experiencing the effects of the training, Jikamshi continued.

150 farmers and extension personnel attended the training session on Monday.

“Farmers used to produce 2.5 to 7 tonnes per hectare, but now they are producing more than eight tonnes per hectare,” the foundation said.

In light of this, their initiatives have improved livelihoods, revenue production, health, and the enrolment of girls in schools.

He stated, “This year, 200 extension workers and 400 farmers will receive direct training in the second phase of the program.”

According to Mallam Ahmed, a Matazu beneficiary, the training will enhance local agricultural.