Katsina: Jibiya farmers rejoice over bumper harvest

 

BY AHMAD TIJJANI GARBA

Dry season farmers in Jibiya Local Government Area of Katsina State have widely expressed happiness with  this year’s irrigation activity, as it is a hitch free one, despite the security challenges facing the area.

Alhaji Hassan Dodo, a groundnut, wheat and watermelon farmer who has harvested over 300 sacks of groundnuts and counting, appreciated the efforts of Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, SRRBDA, and Katsina State government for a record of their  successful farming for the season.

The farmer said the SRRBDA in collaboration with the Katsina State government sponsored the entire irrigation activity of the season by providing him and his fellow farmers with affordable and available water in their various farms.

Another farmer Alhaji Mustapha Luwa who is a beans, maize, and groundnut farmer described this year’s dry season farming as a total success.

He further said that he harvested over 400 sacks of maize and counting.

He appealed to the Katsina State government to double its effort and provide the farmers with affordable fertilizer as the price is constantly increasing.

Also, Alhaji Babangida Hussein Assistant Project Manager Agric. Services,   who spoke on behalf of Engr Jamilu Dandume, the Project Manager of the jibiya Irrigation Scheme, said that the jibiya Dam covers an area of ​​more than 2,000 hectares..

He explained that more than 8,000 farmers participated in the irrigation activities every year. 

He said that the crops grown in the area included cowpea, covering an area of ​​1,000 hectares, 500 hectares of maize, and 200 hectares of cassava. 

He added that groundnut cover 120 hectares, wheat covers 95 hectares, and assorted vegetables cover 85 hectares.

 Alhaji Hussein further stated that Jibiya produces more than 3950 tons of agricultural products each year, which is equivalent to 430,962,500.00 million.

He praised the Katsina State government's efforts to sponsor the entire operation and realized the current government's goal of achieving national economic diversification.