Mohamed Garba
A massive irrigation expansion project worth N4.5 billion is set to transform the lives of over 25,000 farmers across 10 Northern states in Nigeria. The project, initiated by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as part of his Agricultural Transformation Agenda Programs, aims to boost agricultural production and improve food security in the region.
Located in the Bagwai Local Government area of Kano State, the project includes a N314 million rehabilitation and construction of irrigation schemes. This has already shown significant results, with the water supply increasing from 400,000 cubic meters to 700,000 cubic meters. The project has also led to an expansion of irrigated land from 8 hectares to over 917 hectares.
The project’s manager, Muhammad Tijjani Adamu Kwa, highlighted that the ongoing expansion program will provide over 10 million cubic meters of irrigation water daily, benefiting thousands of farmers. The area is expected to produce three crops yearly, including rice and tomatoes.
Farmers who have benefited from the project have expressed their gratitude, with some noting that the project has transformed their lives. Alhaji Ali Bello Sarkin Noma, Chairman of the Bagwai Fadama Farmers, praised the project, saying it has enabled him to return to farming after previously working as an okada rider in a southern state.
The project is part of the federal government’s efforts to promote agricultural development and improve food security in the country. Similar initiatives, such as the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase One (ATASP-1), have been implemented in other parts of the country, with significant results.
