By Ahmad SaleemÂ
The Kano State Government has begun moves to partner with international agricultural research institutions and machinery manufacturers to boost farm productivity and modernise farming practices in the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mahmoud Danjuma, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the state government’s participation in the Paris International Agricultural Show in France.
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Danjuma said Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf led a delegation to the exhibition, which brought together over 2,000 companies and organisations showcasing innovations in crop production, mechanisation, livestock and modern agricultural techniques.
According to him, the state held discussions with leading research institutions on introducing high-yield, climate-smart seeds capable of significantly increasing farm output.
He said rice production in most parts of Kano currently ranges between 35 and 50 bags per hectare, but improved seed varieties being discussed with partners could produce up to 120 to 140 bags per hectare.
“The objective is to introduce climate-smart and drought-resistant seeds that will increase productivity while reducing the impact of climate change,” he said.
The commissioner added that the state government plans to establish demonstration farms to showcase the performance of the improved seeds and encourage farmers to adopt them.
He also said the state engaged farm machinery manufacturers on the possibility of supplying affordable agricultural equipment such as threshers, hand-held tractors and solar-powered implements.
According to him, the collaboration could help local fabricators in Kano improve their capacity and eventually produce modern farm implements for Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries.
Danjuma said the government is also working to train agricultural extension workers to support farmers in adopting modern farming techniques.
He noted that Kano currently has about 1,500 extension workers following the recent recruitment of over 1,000 personnel.
The commissioner said the initiatives align with ongoing agricultural projects in the state, including the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme and new irrigation schemes aimed at expanding irrigated farmland.
He expressed optimism that the partnerships initiated during the exhibition would translate into improved productivity, increased farmers’ income and greater private sector investment in Kano’s agricultural sector.
