Danja (Katsina State) – Irrigation farmers in Danja Local Government Area of Katsina State on Wednesday appealed to Katsina State Government to construct more modern dams to boost employment opportunities among youths in the area.
Alhaji Idris Garin-Gwada, Chairman of irrigation farmers in Garin-Gwada made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Danja.
[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
He noted that farmers are facing difficulties and increased loss because of the absence of dam that could store water for complete irrigation and dry season farming.
He added that at present, irrigation farmers mostly youths had diverted to other businesses, while some had travelled to other places in search of jobs.
The chairman noted that irrigation farming has provided jobs to thousands of people in the area.
According to him, the areas are bestowed with fertile lands for cultivation of sugar cane, tomato and other vegetables in large quantities.
He recalled that Katsina state government under late President Umaru Yar’adua established sugar processing company and vegetable markets at Dandame, Dabai, Kokami and Danja towns.
Garin-Gwada said that the markets were being patronised by traders from various locations, adding that it was creating jobs for people of the area.
“When more dams are constructed, more farmers would be accommodated, other villages can begin to cultivate vegetables, water melon and other items through irrigation.
“Farming at the dam site can serve as source of employment to people during dry season as the population is on increase annually,” he said.
NAN recalls that Mashigi irrigation farmers in Kankara Local Government area have appealed to the state government to expand Mashigi dam for more irrigation activities.
He said the government recently awarded a contract worth N141 million for supply of water in Malumfashi Local Government Area. (NAN)
