Kano farmers hail FG’s irrigation projects

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Farmers and residents of several communities in Kano State have recounted how the Federal Government’s irrigation rehabilitation project is improving agricultural production.

The beneficiaries, particularly those around the Tiga, Challawa Gorge, and Kafin Chiri dams, said improved access to irrigation water and rehabilitated roads had eased longstanding challenges that previously limited farming activities, damaged produce, and restricted access to markets.

This was contained in a statement on Friday by the Ecological Project office in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

According to the statement, a farmer in Kumfada, Faruku Haruna, recalled how farmers struggled to secure water for irrigation, resorting to self-help measures, including contributing money to buy plastic sheets to trap water for their farms.

“We always had the desire to farm, but we lacked the means,” Haruna said, describing the difficulties farmers faced before the intervention.

He noted that the improved irrigation facilities had made water more accessible, allowing farmers to concentrate on cultivation rather than spending valuable time and resources searching for water.

“You just turn the valve, and water flows right into your field,” he said.

Haruna explained that the improved water supply had enabled him to cultivate carrots, onions, tomatoes, and peppers, while creating opportunities to venture into rice and wheat production.

He added that access to irrigation water throughout the year had reduced the pressure on him to leave the community in search of alternative employment during the dry season.

The intervention is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at improving food security, strengthening rural infrastructure, and enhancing livelihoods.

Beyond irrigation, farmers in Gana said road rehabilitation had eased the transportation of agricultural produce to markets, reducing losses caused by poor road conditions.

A farmer in the community, Abdullahi Hamza, said deteriorated roads previously caused substantial damage to onions and other produce during transportation.

“By the time we reached the market, they would be crushed and spoiled,” Hamza recalled.

He said the improved roads had made it easier for farmers to transport their produce using motorcycles and vehicles, reducing the difficulties and losses associated with moving farm goods to market centres.

For business owners in Kwanar Dangora, improved drainage has also brought relief from recurring flooding that disrupted commercial activities.

A businesswoman, Hafsat Yakubu, said flooding previously prevented customers from accessing her business premises, affecting her ability to serve them.

Residents of Sumaila also reported improvements in accessibility following road construction and erosion-control works designed to address gully erosion and protect homes from environmental damage.

One of the residents, Ado Ibrahim, recalled that the poor condition of roads had previously prevented vehicles from accessing some parts of the community, forcing residents to carry household goods over considerable distances.

He said the construction of roads and erosion-control facilities had improved movement within the affected areas, easing transportation for residents and other road users.

At Darki, the construction of a 1.5-kilometre market bypass is expected to address traffic congestion, particularly during the busy Thursday market, while improving the movement of agricultural produce and other goods.

The project is being executed by Firm and Resolute Engineering.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has complemented the infrastructure projects with agricultural training to help farmers maximise the benefits of improved irrigation facilities.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture is providing technical support across 16 local government areas, focusing on water management, crop production, soil fertility, and sustainable farming practices.

According to the institute, the programme has reached 1,890 beneficiaries, including 501 smallholder farmers who have received training.

Eight farmer field schools and 86 demonstration plots have also been established to expose farmers to improved crop varieties and modern agricultural techniques.

A plant breeding and genetics specialist at IITA’s Kano station, Prof. Lucky Osabuohien Omoigui, said access to irrigation infrastructure must be accompanied by appropriate training to ensure efficient water use and sustainable agricultural production.

“You need to train them on how to use the water effectively, productively,” Omoigui said.

He explained that farmers were being encouraged to adopt improved crop varieties, appropriate fertiliser management, and crop rotation to preserve soil fertility and increase productivity.

The programme is also creating opportunities for women, who account for 20 per cent of its overall beneficiaries. Women make up 97 of the 501 smallholder farmers trained under the initiative.

At Kafin Chiri, rehabilitation of the irrigation infrastructure, including the main canal, distribution channels, and field channels, is progressing.

The lead site engineer for ECL Construction Limited, Jibril Muhammad Ibrahim, said the main canal had been completed, while work continued on other components.

He added that rehabilitation of the embankment section had reached 80 per cent completion.

To sustain the facilities, the Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority has engaged water user associations and dam managers on operational and maintenance arrangements, with the aim of ensuring equitable water distribution and effective management of the infrastructure.

The projects, implemented under the leadership of the Permanent Secretary of the Ecological Project Office, Dr. Aishetu Gogo Ndayako, combine irrigation rehabilitation and expansion with road improvements, drainage construction, and erosion-control measures.

For farmers such as Haruna and Hamza, the benefits are reflected in easier access to water, reduced produce losses, and improved opportunities to reach markets.

The Federal Government said the interventions were designed to address ecological challenges while strengthening agricultural productivity, rural employment, and economic activities across Kano State.

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