Writing By Usman MZ; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
Farmers in Kirikasamma and Guri Local Government Areas of Jigawa State have appealed to both the state and federal governments to clear typha grass from rivers under the Hadejia Emirate to allow free flow of water for this year’s irrigation farming.
Correspondent, Usman Mohammed Zaria, who visited communities in Marma, Kirikasamma and Dawa in Guri Local Government, reports that typha grass, locally known as ciyawar kachalla has become a major ecological threat, obstructing water channels and hindering irrigation and other farming activities.
The farmers lamented that the persistent spread of the grass has forced many to abandon their farms, while others continue to record poor yields as the weed blocks canals and competes with crops for water and soil nutrients.
Besides disrupting irrigation, the farmers noted that typha grass also serves as a breeding ground for pests such as quelea birds, leading to flooded fields and water shortages in parts of Kirikasamma and surrounding areas.
A farmer in Marma Ward, Malam Muhammadu Damatar, said yields of rice, sorghum, millet and onions have drastically reduced due to the infestation.
He appealed to the government to urgently clear the grass and support farmers with inputs.
Malam Damatar also called on the state government to establish a fertilizer plant within the Hadejia Emirate, noting that the high cost of fertilizer has made it unaffordable for many farmers.
Another farmer, Hassan Isa of Dawa Ward in Guri Local Government, urged the state government to construct irrigation canals linking rivers to farmlands to boost dry season farming.
Similarly, Abdullahi Sa’adu Dawa, an onion farmer in Guri, said most residents in the area have cultivated onions for decades but suffered huge losses last year due to poor seed quality.
He appealed for the supply of improved onion varieties and timely provision of fertilizer, pesticides, and fuel for irrigation machines.
Usman Mohammed Zaria,
