Kano to rehabilitate Magaga, Kafin Ciri, Thomas dams

Kano State commissioner for agriculture and natural resources, Alhaji Musa Suleiman Shanono, revealed this while speaking at a “Guest Forum” programme organized by the state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ. Making remarks on a wide range of projects undertaken by the ministry, the commissioner said a comprehensive study and assessment of the […]

Kano State commissioner for agriculture and natural resources, Alhaji Musa Suleiman Shanono, revealed this while speaking at a “Guest Forum” programme organized by the state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ.

Making remarks on a wide range of projects undertaken by the ministry, the commissioner said a comprehensive study and assessment of the 13 dams in the state were being carried out by experts, after which, he added, the first phase of the rehabilitation of dams, which contract has already been awarded, would commence.

Three dams – Magaga, Kafin Ciri and Thomas – have been selected for the pilot scheme and, when completed before the end of the year.

The ministry is also engaging the services of experts to conduct soil mapping and classification so as to provide information and data of the various soil types in the state, their suitability for particular crops and their location. Acquiring this knowledge, the commissioner added, is important and will guide farmers as to where and what to plant for better yield.   

Kano, according to the commissioner, has about 7.4 million farmers, which explains why the least of government’s subsidies available to farmers is 40%. He said further that is also the reason behind the distribution of over 800 motorcycles to extension workers to aid their and boost their supervisory work, and the encouragement for the formation of over 12,000 farmers’ cooperative groups to serve as vehicles for distribution of fertilizers and other incentives to farmers.

The commissioner all praised the state chapter of the NUJ for what organizing the forum which he described as good initiative.