The Kano State Government has disclosed that it has earmarked N199, 584, 400 million for the repair of the Watari Dam in Bagwai LGA of the state.
State Project Coordinator of Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP), Malam Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, made the disclosure in a press statement.
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje had launched the $95 million KSADP in February 2020 to fast-track agricultural activities and food security programmes.
The five-year-long project is being financed by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Life and Livelihoods Fund (LLF).
Speaking on the new project, Muhammad further noted that the fund will be deployed for its irrigation scheme as part of measures to reduce the impacts of the novel Coronavirus (COVID 19) pandemic on food security and nutrition in the state.
The state coordinator added that a preliminary technical assessment of the dam, situated about 100 km north-east of Kano, was being conducted by a team of engineers and surveyors.
Muhammad added that consultancy for the design and supervision of the work, as well as for the development of additional land for irrigation, was advertised.
He explained, “The project will invest in the rehabilitation of the Watari canal and drainages, including the night reservoir to mitigate gully erosion that is threatening the dam’s embankment.
“More than 150 hectares of land damaged within the vicinity of the dam will be reclaimed. Barring any eventuality, this work will start by October this year.
” alt=”” aria-hidden=”true” /> “This project will also fund the rehabilitation of other irrigation facilities or the development of new irrigation schemes within the state.”
Muhamad also said that the project was designed to support small-scale farmers’ access equipment for land preparation, harvest, and post-harvest operations.
The project will also help to sustainably increase production and yields and make crop residues and agro-industrial by-products more abundant for animal feeding, he added.
“Also, 1000 hectares of land downstream will be developed, using gravity for irrigation for about 4,000 new farmers for rice, wheat, and vegetable production,” the state coordinator further noted.
On execution of the project, Muhammad submitted that all necessary paper works have been done and await clearance from the IsBD.
“We shall commence an innovative, broad impact and capital intensive partnership with Sasakawa that will help boost food production in Kano,” he added.
SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA
