Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano
Farmers in Kano State have been urged to take advantage of preseason trainings and seminars organized by the Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA) to enhance their farming operations.
The call was made by the Managing Director of KNARDA, Dr. Farouk Kurawa, during a training session held at the agency’s headquarters in ‘Yan Kaba. The session focused on how farmers can utilize Farmers Chat, an artificial intelligence-powered mobile application designed to support agricultural decision-making.
Dr. Kurawa highlighted the importance of such technological advancements, especially in developing countries where there is a shortage of agricultural extension agents. He emphasized that the application can serve as a valuable tool for farmers in need of real-time guidance.
Read Also:
FCAPT Secures NBTE Approval to Run Two HND Courses
He expressed concern that some farmers still do not approach farming as a business, which he said is a major barrier to progress. “If you take farming as a business, you’ll understand that KNARDA is here to support with training, improved seeds, fertilizer, and technical expertise. But expecting KNARDA to do everything is unrealistic. The government has limited resources and many other responsibilities,” he stated.
Since assuming office, Dr. Kurawa noted that KNARDA has worked to shift farmers’ mindsets and raise awareness about the agency’s mandate. “Our goal is to ensure farmers understand our role and to help them grow their businesses sustainably,” he added.
He also mentioned that KNARDA has introduced initiatives aimed at improving record-keeping among farmers, which in turn aids agricultural extension officers in providing better support.
In collaboration with development projects, KNARDA has supported rural women with livestock, encouraging the culture of sheep and goat rearing to enhance household income. Women farmers’ associations have also received training in processing agricultural products such as soybeans into Tsiren Waken Soya, milk, and nutritional baby feeds.
Other value-added products include Garin Masara (maize flour) and Garin Danwake made from white beans, aimed at enhancing the agricultural value chain in the state.
Furthermore, KNARDA has supported farmers across several local government areas with training and input on modern practices for cultivating crops such as millet (Dawa), rice (Shinkafa), soybeans (Waken Soya), white beans (Farin Wake), onions (Albasa), and tomatoes (Tumatur).
Dr. Kurawa assured that KNARDA will continue to conduct in-season farming seminars and provide doorstep support to farmers across Kano State.
