Kano Deputy Governor assesses Guzu Guzu irrigation farm at Kabo LGA
By Mustapha Salisu
In an effort to evaluate the progress and potential of the agricultural sector in Kano State, the Deputy Governor, Comr. Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, conducted an inspection tour of the Guzu Guzu Irrigation Farm located in Alkalawa, Kabo Local Government Area (LGA) on Monday.
The Guzu Guzu Irrigation Farm, spanning a vast expanse of fertile land, has played a significant role in contributing to the agricultural output of Kano State.
Upon arrival at the site, the Deputy Governor was warmly welcomed by the Kano CARES management, which had intervened in the construction of an irrigation canal originating from the Guzu Guzu Dam, as well as local farmers from Alkalawa, Kabo LGA.
During the visit, the Kano CARES Project Engineer, Bashir Sani, briefed the delegation on the infrastructure of the irrigation farm. He explained that the Guzu Guzu Dam, built in 1980, was initially established to support extensive irrigation farming activities covering 70 hectares.
However, due to insufficient water supply, farmers were forced to abandon irrigation farming and focus solely on cultivation during the rainy season.
“Recognizing this setback, the farmers submitted a proposal requesting an intervention from Kano CARES to construct an irrigation canal. With this intervention, it is projected that the farmers will be able to cultivate about 200 hectares of farmland in the future” Bashir revealed.
Sani further revealed that although the farm site encompasses nearly 300 hectares, the intervention by Kano CARES has enabled the utilization of only 150 hectares, with a target of reaching 200 hectares.
He emphasized that the current challenge lies in the underutilization of water from the dam, which could support farming activities throughout the year and potentially cover up to 700 hectares of farmland.
The project engineer requested the Kano State government’s assistance in expanding the project to achieve a realistic target by next year, which would not only benefit the farmers but also create employment opportunities for youth within and outside Kabo LGA.
A village head expressed his gratitude for the construction of the irrigation canal by Kano CARES, which has alleviated the challenges of manual farming and water scarcity that the community has faced for over two decades. He appealed to the state government to increase the length of the pipe supplying water from the dam to their farm, from the current 8 inches, to ensure effective service delivery.
Addressing the gathered farmers, Deputy Governor Gwarzo explained that his visit aimed to assess the operations of the farm, identify challenges faced by the farmers, and explore opportunities to enhance productivity in the region.
Gwarzo assured the farmers of the government’s commitment to investing in irrigation infrastructure and supporting the development of the agricultural sector. He commended the state of affairs at the Guzu Guzu Irrigation Farm and praised the farmers for their dedication and hard work.
Furthermore, the Deputy Governor pledged to relay their needs and demands to the state governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf. He emphasized the importance of implementing targeted interventions that would empower farmers, improve livelihoods, and contribute to the overall economic growth of the state.
