Revamping Kano’s agricultural sector: A path to economic growth under Abba’s stewardship
By Bashir Abdu Muzakkari, Ph.D.
The agricultural sector is the backbone of many developing countries, and Nigeria is no exception. The newly elected governor of Kano state, His Excellency Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf has made a series of commitments regarding the development of agriculture in the state. These commitments range from the rehabilitation and expansion of irrigation facilities to the promotion of women in agriculture.
These commitments are aimed at improving the productivity of farmers, promoting food security and boosting economic growth in the state.
One of the first commitments made by the governor-elect is the rehabilitation and expansion of irrigation facilities in the state. This is a critical step in ensuring that farmers have access to water, which is essential for crop production. With the rehabilitation and expansion of irrigation facilities, farmers in Kano state will be able to increase their yields and improve their livelihoods.
Abba has also committed to the rehabilitation of earth dams in the state. This is another bold step in ensuring that farmers have access to water for crop production. With the rehabilitation of earth dams, farmers will be able to store water during the wet season and use it for irrigation during the dry season.
The establishment of agro-industrial estates in the state is another commitment made by the governor-elect. These estates will provide a platform for farmers to process their agricultural products and add value to them. This will not only increase the income of farmers but will also create employment opportunities for the people of Kano state. He has also committed to the establishment of commodity aggregation centres. These centres will serve as collection points for agricultural products and will facilitate the marketing of these products. This will help farmers to access new markets and increase their income.
In addition, the governor-elect has also committed to the upgrade of the Kano Zoological Garden and wildlife conservation in Falgore forest. This is an essential step in preserving the biodiversity of the state and promoting eco-tourism. It will also create employment opportunities for the people of Kano state.
Abba Kabir Yusuf has also committed to the provision of agricultural financing for farmers in the state. This is important in ensuring that farmers have access to credit to expand their operations and improve their livelihoods.
Furthermore, the governor-elect commits himself to the provision of agricultural extension services. These services will provide farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills to improve their agricultural practices and increase their yields.
Similarly, Engr Abba Kabir has plans for the promotion of climate-smart agriculture. This is an approach to agriculture that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. It will help farmers in Kano state to become more resilient to the effects of climate change.
Another commitment made by the governor-elect is the introduction of regenerative agriculture. This is an approach to agriculture that aims to restore soil health and improve biodiversity. It will help farmers to improve the quality of their soil and increase their yields.
Finally, the incoming governor intends to modernize abattoirs in the state. This will improve the quality of meat products in the state and create employment opportunities for the people of Kano state.
In conclusion, the proposals made by the newly elected governor of Kano state, His Excellency Engr. Abba K. Yusuf on agriculture are crucial in promoting sustainable agriculture, improving food security, and promoting economic development. The rehabilitation and expansion of irrigation facilities, the establishment of agro-industrial estates, and the provision of agricultural financing and extension services are essential commitments that will improve the overall agricultural productivity in the state.
The governor-elect’s commitment to promoting climate-smart and regenerative agriculture practices and empowering women farmers is also commendable and will have a significant impact on agriculture in Kano state. By fulfilling these policies, the agricultural sector in Kano state will be sustainable, resilient, and productive.
Bashir Abdu Muzakkari, Ph.D. writes from Kano.