Kano earmarks N10b for agro-pastoral projects

The Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP) has budgeted N10,934,005 for 2022.

This was disclosed in a press statement signed by the project communication specialist, Aminu Yassar, who said the financial plan was approved during a meeting of the project’s steering committee on Monday.

According to the project coordinator, Ibrahim Garba, about nine per cent of the total funds was budgeted for crops and legumes value chain interventions for small-holder farmers across the state.

Although he did not give specific details of the budget, he mentioned that “a substantial amount was set aside for development of 1,000 hectares of land at Watari Irrigation Project site, expected to impact at least 4,000 farmers.”

Garba announced that the budget entailed a cattle and small ruminant fattening scheme, with 50 per cent matching grants. This is in addition to a small ruminant breeding scheme.

“We are embarking upon these schemes to strengthen the role of livestock in rural livelihood improvement and economic development especially because they are the main sources of meat,” he said.

On Dansoshiya Grazing Reserve, he stated that several physical works were scheduled for execution in the settlement this year, highlighting that the projects include infrastructure and grazing land development.

“Construction of feeder roads in some parts of the state, Dawanau market infrastructure and establishment of 40 milk collection centres are among the projects for the year, likewise commercial large scale fodder production, smallholder fodder production and improvement of crop residue utilisation,” he added.

The project coordinator commended the Islamic Development Bank and the Lives and Livelihood Funds for timely release of funds for project execution, stressing that their commitment had encouraged the Project Management Unit of the KSADP to strive for success.