Food Security: Kano to Invest in Irrigation Infrastructure

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The Kano State Deputy Governor, Mr. Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, embarked on an inspection tour to the Guzu Guzu Irrigation Farm in Alkalawa, Kabo Local Government Area, as part of efforts to ensure food security in the state.

A press statement that was signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, said that the visit was to evaluate the farms’ operations and explore opportunities to enhance productivity in the region.

Addressing the farmers, the deputy governor expressed the government’s commitment to investing in irrigation infrastructure and supporting the agricultural sector.

He commended the farmers for their dedication and assured them of his intention to table their needs and demands before Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf.

“The aim is to implement targeted interventions that empower farmers, improve livelihoods, and contribute to the overall economic growth of Kano State” Gwarzo affirmed.

The deputy governor emphasised the importance of the Guzu Guzu Irrigation Farm in boosting agricultural productivity, as well as ensuring food security.

He assured the farmers that their concerns and requirements would be given due attention by the state government.

He said, Guzu-Guzu Irrigation Farm Covers a vast area of fertile land, which will significantly contributor to Kano State’s agricultural output.

In his remarks, Kano CARES Project Engineer, Mr. Bashir Sani, briefed the delegation on the farm’s infrastructure, highlighting that the Guzu Guzu Dam, built in 1980, was initially established for irrigation farming activities, spanning 70 hectares.

He said: “However, inadequate water supply led to farmers abandoning irrigation farming and focusing solely on rainy season cultivation.”

He noted that Sani disclosed that the intervention of Kano CARES, include the construction of an irrigation canal, allowing farmers to cultivate approximately 200 hectares of farmland.

 “The farm site has a potential capacity of 300 hectares, but the current intervention covers 150 hectares, with a target of 200 hectares” Sani disclosed.