The Kano State Government has commenced the construction of a massive irrigation dam at Dantsoshiya Forest as part of efforts to enhance food security, expand irrigation farming, and improve water availability across the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Yakubu Danjuma, disclosed this while speaking with journalists, describing the project as one of the most ambitious agricultural infrastructure initiatives undertaken by the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
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According to the commissioner, the dam stretches about two kilometres in length and is designed to store up to three billion cubic litres of water. The facility is expected to irrigate approximately 1,250 hectares of channelized farmland, creating opportunities for year-round agricultural production.
Dr. Danjuma explained that the project is being developed at Dantsoshiya Forest, an area that was previously occupied by cattle rustlers and other criminal elements before it was recovered by the government for productive agricultural use.
He noted that the irrigation project forms part of the state’s broader strategy to revive abandoned irrigation schemes, rehabilitate damaged facilities, recover lost agricultural assets, and open up new areas for cultivation.
The commissioner described the dam as a landmark achievement of the current administration, stressing that no existing irrigation facility in Kano State possesses half the size or water storage capacity of the Dantsoshiya project.
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He revealed that construction work has reached an advanced stage and that Governor Yusuf has approved the construction of a 14-kilometre access road linked to the irrigation facility. The road is expected to facilitate the evacuation of farm produce and improve transportation within the agricultural corridor.
Dr. Danjuma further disclosed that the project is connected to the state’s small earth dam programme, through which irrigation facilities have been established in 11 local government areas, including Albasu, Shanono, Gari, Dawakin Kudu, Rogo, Ajingi, and Bichi.
According to him, none of the small earth dam projects covers less than 150 hectares, while their combined irrigation capacity stands at approximately 1,200 hectares. He added that new engineering designs being introduced by the ministry could increase irrigation coverage to nearly 2,000 hectares in some communities.
The commissioner also revealed that an independent professional assessment of the state’s agricultural sector over the past three years rated the government’s performance at 80 percent. He said the evaluation was based on key performance indicators and targets contained in the state’s agricultural development blueprint.
Highlighting other achievements recorded by the ministry, Dr. Danjuma said the government has successfully demarcated about 1,300 kilometres of cattle routes across Kano State to reduce conflicts between farmers and herders. He added that the initiative has significantly improved livestock movement and strengthened peaceful coexistence in rural communities.
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He further disclosed that the state government has repaired and recovered approximately 1,230 hectares of cultivable irrigable land, including the recovery of the Kadawa irrigation facility.
In addition, Kano has partnered with the Federal Government on the distribution of agricultural inputs, while the state government has supplied more than 623 truckloads of fertilizer to farmers over the last three years to boost agricultural productivity and food security.