ZLGSC TRAINS 28 AGRIC EXTENSION WORKERS ON SOLAR SCALING FOR IMPROVED IRRIGATION FARMING

From Jamilu Isah Gusau 

The Zamfara State Local Government Service Commission (ZLGSC), in collaboration with Gadabo Farm and General Enterprise Limited, has organized a three-day training workshop for 28 agricultural Extension and Irrigation workers from fourteen local government areas in the State.

The training workshop, themed “Scaling solar irrigation for improving dry season yields of tomatoes, pepper, onion, and vegetables; is aimed at supporting farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity at the grassroots level. It stressed that enhancing awareness of improved agricultural methods remains the backbone of the rural economy in the State. 

Declaring the workshop open at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Agriculture Multipurpose Hall in Gusau, the State Capital, the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Aminu Aliyu Mafara, who was represented by the Permanent Commissioner 4, Hon. Jafaru Umar Kaura, said the commission designed the workshop to improve the technical capacity of the agricultural field officers,

The executive chairman further explained that abundant tomatoes, peppers, onions, and vegetables are both timely and strategic in normal circumstances, as they complement the round season, ensuring there will be sufficient foodstuffs all year round.

Mafara urged the participants through the workshop to   acquire practical knowledge and the Mueller technique on solar irrigation technology, efficient water management, and improved methods of cultivating higher-value crops, not only for consumption but also as a source of financial income for the community.

He also said that the commission expects that at the end of the workshop, the participants will return to their nawin domain better equipped to guide farmers in respect of the dry season initiative for enhancing high cultivation of all kinds of irrigable crops.

In his welcome address, the Secretary of the Commission Barr Shafi'u Bukhari who was represented by the Director of Administrations of the Commission, Alh. Muktar Sani, also said that the challenges of seasonal rainfall and climate change have made it necessary to adopt innovative and sustainable farming practices.

He further said that the capacity building workshop is to provide an opportunity for participants to learn modern techniques in solar irrigation systems, efficient water utilization, crop management, and best practices that can improve the dry-season agricultural production.

Brr. Shafi'u applauded the Zamfara State Government under the leadership of Rescue Commander His Excellency Dauda Lawal PhD, who remains supportive of capacity building and Human Resource Development, 

In his remarks, the Managing Director of Gadabo Farm and General Enterprise Limited Alh. Aliyu Altine said that the agricultural Extension Workers play a central role in scaling

this innovation. Their capacity to guide farmers on appropriate system sizing, installing, and maintenance, water scheduling, and agronomic best practices determine the success and wider adoption of solar irrigation technologies adding that they also bridge knowledge gaps on crop management, and market-oriented production strategies that complement solar-powered irrigation.