The technology was demonstrated at irrigation sites in Zakirai, Gabasawa Local Government Area, and Tudun Kaba in Kumbotso Local Government Area.
Speaking during the demonstration, the Director of Technical Services, Engineer Dr. Emmanuel A. Ajani, who represented the Director-General of NASENI, Engineer Khalil Sulaiman Halilu, said the initiative was being implemented in collaboration with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
He explained that the solar-powered systems were designed to address some of the major challenges confronting farmers, particularly the high cost of fuel used to operate conventional water pumps.
According to him, the adoption of solar energy for irrigation would provide farmers with a cheaper, more reliable and environmentally sustainable means of accessing water for agricultural production.
Also speaking, Dr. Adebayo Oke of the International Water Management Institute, Accra, Ghana, said IWMI was working with the Federal Government to train farmers on the proper operation and effective use of the new irrigation technology.
He said the project was aimed at encouraging farmers to embrace modern and sustainable irrigation methods, especially in communities where the high cost of energy has continued to limit agricultural activities.
An official of the Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KARDA) in Kumbotso, Alhaji Musa Yahaya, described the initiative as a welcome development that would further strengthen agricultural production in the state.
He said the Kano State Government remained committed to supporting interventions that would increase farmers' productivity and reduce the cost of agricultural production.
Farmers who witnessed the demonstration from Gabasawa and Kumbotso expressed optimism that the solar-powered irrigation systems would reduce their dependence on petrol and diesel-powered pumps.
They noted that the technology could significantly lower their production costs while making irrigation more accessible and convenient.
The initiative is expected to promote year-round farming, increase food production, reduce farmers' operating costs and improve the livelihoods of farming communities across Kano State.
