MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

The State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources is the organ of the state government responsible for the formation and implementation of the state agricultural policies, programmes, projects and schemes. More particularly it:­

• Initiates policy formulation as relates to agriculture.
• Provides veterinary services to the public.
• Develops livestock and poultry production in the state.
• Provides agricultural mechanization services to the public.
• Provides produce inspection and pest control services.
• Engages in fisheries development.               
• Provides agricultural extension services at state owned irrigation sites.

STRUCTURE

The ministry is headed by the Commissioner as the Chief Executive of the ministry. Under him comes the Permanent Secretary who is the accounting officer of the ministry. There are six departments and six parastatals under the ministry. The departments are:­

• Agric Services, Pest Control, Produce Inspection and Fisheries.
• Agricultural Engineering Services.
• Livestock and Poultry Services.
• Veterinary Services.
• Administration and General Services.
• Planning, Research and Statistics.

PARASTATALS UNDER MINISTRY OF AGRIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES.

1. KANO AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL   (KNARDA)

This parastatal is established by the K.N.A.R.D.A Edict 1986 ofKano State.

The Authority was established to carry out an integrated agricultural development programme under- taken by the state with the funding assistance of the Federal Government and World Bank. The Authority's programmes were specifically meant to increase production of some major crops, improve farm management, forestry development, e.t.c.

STRUCTURE

The Authority has a Board as the apex body. There is a managing Director who is the chief Executive of the authority. It also has seven departments with each headed by a Director. The Authority has three zonal offices located at Rano, Dambatta and Gaya.

2. KANO STATE AGRIC SUPPLY COMPANY (KASCO)

This Company which is a limited liability Company, was duly incorporated in 1981.

Although its objects are contained in the company's memorandum of Association, its main object is to ensure timely and adequate provision of required agricultural inputs to the teeming fanning populace of Kano State and even beyond, at affordable prices.

STRUCTURE

There is a Board of Directors which is the apex and policy making body of the Company. There is the Managing Director as the Chief Executive of the Company. The Internal Audit Unit, Legal and Public Relations Officer and the Administration Unit report directly to the Managing Director. There are three major departments, which also report to the office of the Managing Director. Theyare:­

• Finance and Accounts Department
• Commercial Department; and
• Operations Department.

KANO STATE ZOOLOGICAL / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AGENCY

This is also a parastatal under the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

This Agency provides social services in form of re-creation, conservation education, breeding of endangered species and manages wild life resources throughout the State. E.g Falgore Game Reserve. It also generates revenue for the State.

STRUCTURE

The Agency is headed by a General Manager. He has under him three directors each heading a department. They are:­

• Director Admin and General Services
• Director Zoological Services
• Director Wildlife Services