By Rabiu Sanusi
The Federal Government, through the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), has introduced modern solar-powered irrigation systems in Gabasawa and Kumbotso Local Government Areas of Kano State as part of efforts to boost agricultural production, reduce farming costs and strengthen food security.
Speaking during a demonstration of the newly introduced irrigation technology, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Khalil Sulaiman Halilu, represented by the Director of Technical Services, Engineer Dr. Emmanuel A. Ajani said the initiative was being implemented in collaboration with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
He explained that the project was designed to ease the financial burden on farmers by reducing their dependence on petrol and diesel-powered water pumps, which have contributed significantly to rising agricultural production costs.
According to him, the adoption of solar-powered irrigation technology would provide farmers with a more affordable, reliable and environmentally sustainable means of accessing water for irrigation, thereby enabling them to cultivate their farms more efficiently throughout the year.
Also speaking, Dr. Adebayo Oke of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), based in Accra, Ghana, said the organisation was working closely with the Federal Government to ensure that farmers were adequately trained on the operation and effective utilisation of the solar-powered irrigation systems.
He said the initiative was aimed at encouraging the adoption of modern, affordable and sustainable irrigation technologies, particularly in farming communities where access to reliable and affordable energy remains a major challenge.
In his remarks, an official of the Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KARDA) in Kumbotso Local Government Area Alhaji Musa Yahaya, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant intervention capable of strengthening agricultural activities and improving farmers’ productivity across the state.
He said the Kano State Government remained committed to supporting programmes and innovations that could reduce the cost of agricultural production, improve farmers’ livelihoods and contribute to sustainable food production.
Some farmers from Kumbotso and Gabasawa Local Government Areas who witnessed the demonstration expressed optimism that the technology would significantly reduce their reliance on petrol and diesel-powered irrigation pumps.
The farmers said the solar-powered systems would help lower their production expenses, make irrigation easier and provide more reliable access to water, particularly during periods when rainfall is insufficient.
The demonstration was conducted at the Fadamar Ruwan Tsamiya irrigation site in Zakirai, Gabasawa Local Government Area, as well as at Tudun Kaba, near the river, in Kumbotso Local Government Area.
The initiative is expected to promote year-round farming, increase food production, reduce the cost of irrigation and enhance the livelihoods of farmers across Kano State.