The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched its dry season farming programme under the Irrigate Nigeria Project with 30,000 hectres of land harvested annually in Udubo, Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The Irrigate Nigeria Project which is being implemented by the National Agency for science engineering infrastructure (NASENI), was launched in Udubo community in Gamawa local government area of Bauchi state.
Giving an overview of the project, the Chairman Presidential Committee on Technology Transfer, Dr. Dahiru Mohammed said that the aim of the project under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF) to ensure food security in Nigeria and revive the Agricultural sector of the country.
“As we officially launch the implementation phase of this irrigate Nigeria project, we have taken a bold step towards ensuring food security and prosperity in the nation”
“The Irrigate Nigeria Project differentiates itself by adopting the merging of public sector resources with private sector expertise, investment and technology advancement, unlike previous irrigation programmes that relies solely on federal government funding which was hindered by inefficiencies”, he emphasized” he said.
Dr. Mohammed said that the various irrigation farming undertaken during successive administrations in Nigeria failed because it relies solely on the government, thereby rendered redundant as a result of inefficiencies.
According to him, the Federal irrigate Nigeria project will ensures long term financial sustainability and operational effectiveness through risk sharing mechanisms.
He noted that the initiative integrates irrigation technologies such as solar water pumps as provided by NASENI and other automated irrigation systems is to further enhance efficiency and reduce water wastage.
“Additionally, the Irrigate Nigeria Project emphasises farmer empowerment by equipping small holder farmers with training and advanced irrigation techniques, Agric business development and market intelligence”Dr Mohammed said.
He stated that the project is to ensure not just access to water but also sustainable farming practices and stronger market linkages, thereby making Nigerian agriculture globally competitive.
Dr. Mohammed explained that the stakeholders in the Irrigate Nigeria Project is a collaboration with the federal government and implemented by the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund and NASENI, adding that they will be coordinating other related MDAs to provide policy, approvals, coordination, access to relevant infrastructure and funding support.
Mohammed said, farmer groups and local communities in the programme will be the primary beneficiaries of adopting and implementing the new irrigation Project
He further explained that the expected outcome of the project is set to transform the Agriculture landscape by improving irrigation efficiency, strengthening food security and driving economic growth.
“With one million hectres of irrigated farm, it is projected to create five million jobs in five years, lifting rural communities out of poverty and integrating farmers into formal economy and enhance financial sustainability and attract agric investment”, he said.
Dr. Mohammed said that the project will reduce water wastage, lower cost of farming, increase crop yields and lead to higher food production and price stability.
According to him, the project wil alsol curb youth restiveness, slow rural urban migration and strengthen Community driven Agriculture, thereby enhancing the nation’s security.
Also Speaking, the State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed reiterated the commitment of administration
to modernising agriculture in Bauchi State, allocating 50,000 hectares of land in Toro LGA for various agricultural activities.
He noted that the project will increase farming capacity, economic growth, and food security for Nigerian farmers, adding that irrigate Nigeria Project is a public-private partnership, including foreign investors, to ensure its success.
(Independent)
