The Kaduna Agro Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes Project has partnered with the Institute for Agricultural Research to raise farm yields through improved seeds and climate-smart technologies.

The project coordinator, Hadiza Halid, disclosed this on Tuesday in an interview in Kaduna.

Ms Halid said the partnership was necessary to promote climate-smart agricultural practices, improved seed varieties and modern farming technologies across seven targeted watersheds.

She listed the watersheds as Kudan, Kubau, Lere, Zaria, Sakadadi, Kafanchan and Giwa.

According to her, the initiative would establish demonstration sites and train selected farmers in improved production techniques, seed production, marketing and sustainable agricultural practices.

She said improved cowpea seeds had also been distributed to farmers with technical support from IAR, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

“Access to quality seeds is critical to improving yields and helping farmers adapt to changing climatic conditions,” she said.

Ms Halid said the demonstration sites would enable farmers to test research-based technologies and assess their benefits before adopting them.

She said climate-smart agriculture was increasingly important as farmers contended with changing rainfall patterns, flooding, prolonged dry spells and rising temperatures.

According to her, the approach would help farmers increase productivity while conserving soil and water resources.

The coordinator said the partnership would also strengthen agribusiness through training in processing, storage, marketing and value addition.

She said higher farm output would have limited economic impact without improved access to profitable markets.

Ms Halid said the initiative aligned with the Kaduna State government’s efforts, under Governor Uba Sani, to transform agriculture, improve food security and enhance farmers’ livelihoods.

She said women and youths would be encouraged to participate in agricultural value chains, particularly in areas with potential for employment and enterprise development.

The coordinator said the collaboration would bridge the gap between agricultural research and farming communities by making improved technologies more accessible to farmers.

She said the partnership would increase adoption of climate-smart practices, improve yields, and strengthen agricultural enterprises across the state.

(NAN)