A Chinese agricultural investment firm, Smartisan Investment Nigeria Limited, has unveiled a new spraying technology aimed at boosting crop yields and reducing production costs for farmers in Kano State. The initiative was showcased during a demonstration in Kura, Kura Local Government Area, on Thursday, highlighting the firm’s commitment to empowering local farmers with innovative solutions.
Charles Lee, representing the firm, explained that the technology, known as agricultural spraying drums, is designed to replace the tedious and inefficient traditional method of applying chemicals and fertilisers manually. “With this machine, a farmer can finish spraying 10 hectares in one day. When pests arrive, you don’t have time to waste because the damage can reach 50 per cent. This technology ensures quick response,” he said.
Lee noted that the system, already deployed successfully in China, Kenya, and Mozambique, increases harvests by 15 to 20 per cent annually. By breaking chemicals into ultra-fine particles of about 10 micrometres, the device ensures deeper penetration and full coverage of plant leaves while reducing chemical use by up to 40 per cent. “Hand-spraying wastes a lot of chemicals. With this system, the chemical becomes fog and reaches places where human hands cannot. It reduces cost, increases yield, and is safer for the environment,” he added.
The Chairman of Kura Local Government Farmers’ Association, Usman Abdulmalik Abubakar Matawallen Kura, described the innovation as timely, especially given the rising costs of labour and frequent pest attacks. “Many of our farmers can no longer afford labour for spraying. Anything that helps us save cost and increase yield is welcome,” he said, urging government agencies and agricultural development partners to make the technology more accessible.
Farmers attending the demonstration expressed optimism about the initiative. Malam Kabiru Sani, a rice farmer, said, “Sometimes we spend two to three days spraying just five hectares. By then, pests have already done damage. If this machine works the way they showed us, it will save us a lot of loss.” Hajiya Rabi’u Ibrahim, who cultivates maize and vegetables, highlighted the benefit of reduced chemical use for both farmers and consumers, saying, “Chemicals are very expensive now. If this machine can do the same work with less chemical, that is good for us. It also means the food we harvest will have less chemical residue.”
The farmers recommended that Smartisan Investment Nigeria Limited collaborate with local cooperatives to provide flexible payment options, ensuring smallholder farmers can access the technology without bearing the full cost upfront. The initiative marks a significant step toward modernising agriculture in Kano State, empowering farmers to improve productivity, reduce costs, and embrace innovation for sustainable growth.
