The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has demonstrated its solar-powered irrigation pump system to farmers in Kano State to promote climate-resilient farming, boost dry-season production and reduce costs.
The demonstrations, held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at rice farms in Zakirai, Gabawasa LGA, and Kwarin Kaba, Kumbotso LGA, were organised in collaboration with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), CGIAR, the Kano State Ministry of Agriculture, KNARDA and farmers’ cooperatives.
NASENI’s Director of Technical Services, Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Ajani, said dependence on rainfall and rising fuel costs continued to expose farmers to climate and economic challenges.
He said the initiative would link farmers with solar equipment suppliers and financial institutions to accelerate the adoption of solar irrigation.
KNARDA Managing Director, Dr. Farouk Ahmad Kurawa, commended NASENI for taking certified irrigation technology directly to farmers, while IWMI Team Lead, Dr. Adebayo Oke, identified high upfront costs as a key barrier to adoption.
Participating farmers said the technology could support all-season farming, increase yields, reduce post-harvest losses and improve incomes.
The Bank of Agriculture, Jaiz Bank and NIRSAL also joined discussions on financing options tailored to farmers’ production and harvest cycles.
