By Jack Acheme, Kano
On July 4, 2023
The Kano State Government in North Western Nigeria has made a firm commitment to invest in irrigation infrastructure and support the agricultural sector in an effort to enhance food security in the state.
Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Abduldalam Gwarzo, emphasized this during his address to farmers at the Guzu Guzu Irrigation Farm in Alkalawa, Kabo local government area of the state, after conducting an inspection of the farm.
He praised the farmers for their dedication and assured them of his intention to convey their needs and demands to the state governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.
“Our aim is to implement targeted interventions that will empower farmers, improve livelihoods, and contribute to the overall economic growth of Kano State,” said Gwarzo.
“These efforts are also aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring food security,” he added.
Upon arrival at the farm, the Kano CARES Project Engineer, Bashir Sani, provided a briefing to the Deputy Governor and his delegation regarding the farm’s infrastructure.
Sani highlighted that the Guzu Guzu Dam, built in 1980, was originally established for irrigation farming activities covering an area of 70 hectares.
“However, due to inadequate water supply, farmers had to abandon irrigation farming and focus solely on rainy season cultivation,” he stated.
Sani revealed that the intervention of Kano CARES included the construction of an irrigation canal, which now allows farmers to cultivate approximately 200 hectares of farmland.
“The farm site has the potential capacity to cover 300 hectares, but the current intervention only covers 150 hectares, with a target of 200 hectares,” disclosed Sani.
The investment in irrigation farming by the Kano State Government is a significant step towards enhancing food security in the state. By providing farmers with the necessary infrastructure and support, the government aims to boost agricultural productivity and secure the availability of food for the people of Kano.
With the focus on irrigation farming, farmers will have the opportunity to cultivate their lands throughout the year, not just during the rainy season. This will lead to increased crop production and an improved food supply for the state.
The dedication and commitment of the Kano State Government to prioritize agriculture and invest in irrigation farming will not only benefit farmers but also contribute to the economic growth and development of the state.
As the government continues to implement such targeted interventions, it is expected that the overall food security situation in Kano State will improve, ensuring a brighter future for the agricultural sector and the people it serves.
