NASENI Deploys Solar Irrigation Systems to Boost Farming in Kano

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has introduced solar-powered irrigation systems in the Gabasawa and Kumbotso Local Government Areas of Kano State to reduce farmers’ production costs and boost year-round agricultural activities.

The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), was demonstrated at the Fadamar Ruwan Tsamiya irrigation site in Zakirai, Gabasawa LGA, and at Tudun Kaba, near the river, in Kumbotso.

Speaking during the demonstration, the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Khalil Halilu, represented by the Director of Technical Services, Emmanuel Ajani, said the project aimed to reduce farmers’ dependence on petrol- and diesel-powered irrigation pumps.

Halilu said the rising cost of fuel had increased farmers’ production expenses, stressing that the solar-powered technology would provide a cheaper, reliable and environmentally friendly alternative for accessing water.

He said, “The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Federal Government and the International Water Management Institute to ease the burden on farmers by reducing the high cost of irrigation.”

Also speaking, an official of IWMI, Dr Adebayo Oke, said the organisation was working with the Federal Government to ensure farmers were adequately trained to operate and maximise the benefits of the irrigation systems.

Oke said the project was designed to promote the adoption of sustainable irrigation technologies, particularly in communities where access to affordable energy remained a challenge.

A KNARDA official in Kumbotso, Musa Yahaya, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant intervention that could strengthen agricultural production in the state.

Yahaya said the Kano State Government was ready to support initiatives aimed at improving farmers’ productivity and reducing production costs.

Some farmers who witnessed the demonstration e exercise expressed optimism that the technology would reduce their dependence on fuel and lower farming expenses.