NAPRI to Conclude Kano Seed Multiplication Project by December

By Hassan Ibrahim The National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) at Ahmadu Bello University is set to complete work on a 20-hecta...

By Hassan Ibrahim

The National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) at Ahmadu Bello University is set to complete work on a 20-hectare pasture seed multiplication plot for the Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project by December 2024.

This update was provided by the Public Affairs Directorate from the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Initially scheduled for completion in September 2023, the project timeline, which began in January 2021, was extended following a request from the Kano State Agricultural Development Project (KSADP).

Located in Dudduru, Ajingi Local Government Area, Kano State, the project focuses on the establishment and maintenance of a 20-hectare pasture seed multiplication plot. The seeds harvested will be distributed to the Dansoshai grazing reserves, aimed at addressing feed scarcity for ruminant livestock and reducing conflicts between farmers and herders.

NAPRI officially took over the project on January 7, 2021, during a ceremony attended by key stakeholders. The project’s scope includes site mobilization, fencing, construction of 40 tube wells, two security rooms, and two storage facilities for seeds and equipment. Additional efforts cover land clearing, seed drying facilities, routine pasture management, and harvesting of plant species such as gamba, stylo, and napier.

Prof. Mohammed Rabiu Hassan, Executive Director of NAPRI, expressed gratitude to the Kano State government and the Islamic Development Bank for entrusting NAPRI with the project. He also thanked the Kano State Agricultural Development Project (KSADP), community leaders, and other stakeholders for their cooperation, while extending appreciation to Ahmadu Bello University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala, and NAPRI’s staff for their support throughout the project.