Kano Farmers Enhance Crop Production with New Irrigation

Farmers in Kumfada, Garko Local Government Area of Kano State, have experienced significant improvements in their agricultural practices due to better access to irrigation and roads. Faruku Musa Haruna, a local farmer, noted that reliable water supply has transformed his farming capabilities, allowing him to grow various crops like carrots, onions, tomatoes, and peppers without relying on generators.

The federal intervention, overseen by the Ecological Project Office under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focuses on irrigation rehabilitation, erosion control, road improvements, and agricultural support around the Tiga, Challawa Gorge, and Kafin Chiri dams. This initiative aims to enhance market supply consistency and rural employment.

However, while improved water access reduces the need for migration in search of work, farmers still face challenges regarding production costs, including seed, fertilizer, labor, and transport. Professor Lucky Osabuohien Omoigui from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture emphasizes the necessity for ongoing support to ensure farmers can maximize their productivity and financial returns.