Farmers Laud Kano Govt. Over Magaga Dam Utilization

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Farmers cultivating lands around the Magaga Dam in Kabo Local Government Area of Kano State have commended the State Government for boosting utilization of the dam for agricultural purposes.

The Community Farmers’ Leader in the area, Alhaji Umaru Mohammed Gude, made the commendation while receiving journalists at the dam site on Monday.

According to Gude, the 30-year-old dam had been largely underutilized until the inception of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf which in collaboration with the Sasakawa Global Africa Project,mobilized farmers to embark on agricultural activities around it.

“With the support of KSADP/Sasakawa Global Africa Project under the Kano State Government, we grow crops such as onions, tomatoes, pappy, water melon, rice and cucumber in farms provided around this dam.

“They gave us Solar-powered engine with which we water the crops at minimal costs, since we don’t use fuel to power the machine. This has enabled us to save money which we use to finance other farming-related issues,” he said.

Gude advised fellow farmers in other local government areas where dams are located to seize the opportunity to grow crops that would enhance their economic well-being.

The Extension Agent KSADP/Sasakawa Global Africa Project, Ibrahim Adamu Aliyu Garo, who conducted newsmen round the farms, said the scheme had improved the lives of the benefiting farmers.

Garo disclosed that more than 4,000 farmers area benefiting from the programme, adding that all the support being given to the growers is coming through their respective unions.

He said the project gave the farmers the solar-powered engines free of charge so as to reduce their production costs.