Kano Government To Irrigate 200 Hectares To Boost Crop Production

News in brief: The government of Kano state plans to irrigate 200 hectares of agricultural land to increase production and reduce reliance on rain-fed farming. The irrigation project, supported by the World Bank-backed CARES initiative, aims to connect farmlands to Guzu Guzu Dam and expand the irrigation system in the future to enhance food security and support local farmers.

The government of Kano state has announced plans to irrigate up to 200 hectares of agricultural land to boost production and reduce reliance on rain-fed farming.

According to Bashir Sani, an engineer associated with Kano COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (CARES), the plan involves an irrigation canal connecting the farmlands to Guzu Guzu Dam. CARES is a World Bank-backed state-level project that funds efforts to improve food security in Nigeria and improve people's livelihoods.

Speaking during an inspection of the irrigation system, Kano state Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo reaffirmed the government's aim to support the local agricultural sector.

Sani mentioned that the 1980 dam's original coverage was 70 hectares. However, the system can reach nearly 300 hectares eventually with more financing. The current intervention covers 150 hectares, which is 50 hectares short of the government's target.

Local farmers have been relying on rainy season farming for years because of inadequate water supply, the CARES engineer told reporters. They abandoned irrigation, which in turn reduced their cropping cycle and production as rain-fed irrigation is not controllable. Poor irrigation is one of the leading causes of poor agricultural production in Nigeria.

The farmers reached out to CARES and the state government for assistance in building the canal to improve irrigation. Meanwhile, Sani wants the government to commit further to expanding the irrigation systems in 2024 to reach more farmlands.

Kano state also recently reaffirmed its promise to provide subsidised fertilisers to farmers. The administration's focus on improving the agricultural sector is part of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf's promise.