By Lanre Shodimu
The government of Kano State has stepped up efforts at agribusiness expansion , opportunities and modernise farming through international collaborations at the 2026 Paris International Agricultural Show held in France.
The event took place at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, attracted more than 2,000 companies from across the world showcasing innovations in livestock production, crop protection, mechanisation and agribusiness development.
Speaking on the outcome of the summit in an interview with journalists, the Kano State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Danjuma Mahmood, said the state delegation engaged with several foreign partners to explore opportunities that would improve productivity and the livelihoods of farmers in the state.
In his words, one of the key areas of discussion was the introduction of climate-smart and drought-resistant seed varieties capable of significantly increasing crop yields in Kano.
He emphasised that with the adoption of such improved seeds, rice farmers in Kano could increase production from the current average of 40 to 60 bags per hectare to between 120 and 140 bags.
The commissioner disclosed further that the government held discussions with international research organisations and agricultural technology firms with a view to signing Memoranda of Understanding to support seed development, livestock productivity and improved animal feed production.
He further revealed that talks were held with farm machinery manufacturers on possible partnerships to provide farmers with affordable and easy-to-maintain agricultural equipment, including mini tractors, threshers and solar-powered farm implements.
According to him, such partnerships could also help strengthen local fabrication capacity in Kano, enabling the state to produce modern farm implements capable of serving farmers across northern Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries.
Mahmood described the Paris summit as a major platform for knowledge exchange, stressing that Kano’s participation was aimed at accelerating the state’s agricultural transformation agenda
