Kano farmers expect over 2m tons of local rice this year

Farmers in Kano state are expecting over two million tons of rice during this year’s harvesting period, the state Deputy Governor, Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, said.

Dr. Gawuna, who double as commissioner of agriculture, disclosed this while addressing newsmen on the achievements recorded by the ministry in the last three years.

He said, “From 2015 to 2017, there has been a significant increase in the yearly harvest. In 2015, we harvested about 690,000 tons of rice, in 2016 it increased to 1.5 million tons, also in 2017 we recorded another increase to about 2 million tons and we are optimistic that this year, we will harvest over 2 million tons of local rice.”

Gawuna said the development recorded in agriculture was due to series of interventions given to farmers in the state.

The deputy governor said since the inception of Ganduje-led administration several efforts were made to uplift agricultural activities in the state.

He said despite the enormous challenges affecting the development of the sector in the country in terms of mechanization and technology, government was able to reduce the issue of rice importation into the state, thereby saving the sum of $20 million every year.