Kano Releases Water From Watari Dam For Irrigation

The Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has released water from the Watari Dam for the continuation of irrigation activities within Bagwai, Bichi local government areas and the environs of the state.

The state government made this known in a statement issued by the Communication Specialist, Kano State Agro Pastrol Development Project (KSADP), Amin Yassar on Friday in Kano. 

The KSADP said the release of the water from the Watari dam was reactivated after completion of about 40 per cent of the desilt, clearance and rehabilitation of canals at the Watari dam.

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According to him, the project which was awarded to Messrs Hajaig Nigeria Limited for N315 million was designed to enhance access to water resources to enable farmers in Bagwai and Bichi LGAs to engage in rain-fed and dry season activities.

The KSADP said there are 2,600 hectares of land for the cultivation of rice, wheat, legumes and vegetables.

The KSADP Project Manager, Ibrahim Garba-Muhammad, also said that it was a tough decision to stop the release of water to the farms in view of the multitude of farmers whose livelihoods depend on the dam.

“Community participation is key to the success of government policies and projects like this one. I am happy that you are involved in the work from what we have seen during our visits in the past,” he said.

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Correspondingly, Dr Junaid Yakubu-Muhammad, Managing Director, Kano State Agriculture and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), said the agency would distribute fertilisers, seeds and sprayers to 100 selected farmers in the Watari plantation.

Malam Ibrahim Sani, one of the farmers, commended the Kano State Government, KSADP and the development partners for the project, adding that the project would be a shining legacy in the state.’