10th May, 2017
The Jigawa Government on Wednesday, said it would make available 5, 000 water pumps and tube wells in farmlands to check perennial water scarcity experienced by farmers in the state.
The state deputy governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan, made this disclosure at the inauguration of a weed clearance exercise in Kirikasamma, Jigawa.
Hassan said the State Government had worked out modalities to construct tube wells in the 5, 000 hectares of farmlands to encourage irrigation agriculture.
He stated that one water pump and a tube well would be provided in each hectare of the farmlands.
“Farmers are experiencing water scarcity due to the blockage of channels by typha grass on Hadejia River.
“The grass prevented water from flowing into farmlands as a result of which the plants wilted,” he said.
Hassan said that the tube wells and water pumps would be provided to the farmers to address the problem and encourage production.
He disclosed that arrangements were underway to open up additional 5, 000 hectares of lands to expand the scope of the rice and wheat cultivation programme.
“We have reached an advanced stage in talks with the Federal Government; we will clear blocked channels, construct new ones and open up more lands to farmers.
“This is to provide lands for cultivation and enhance effective utilisation of water and agricultural resources”.
Hassan said the State Government had adopted proactive measures to enhance farmer support services, processing, to add value to the produce and encourage farmer enterprising skills.
The deputy governor lauded the community leaders for mobilising participation in agriculture, adding that the trend would encourage food production and enhance wealth creation in the society.
The Hadejia valley project was initiated by the Federal Government in the 1980s to encourage irrigation activities, enhance fishery and water supply to communities.
However, only 5, 000 out of the projected 25, 000 hectares of farmlands had been developed under the project.
The greater part of the river was ravaged by typha grass, which affected irrigation activities.