The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has launched an ambitious irrigation project aimed at transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The project, known as Irrigate Nigeria, targets 3.14 million hectares of farmland for irrigation, with the goal of enhancing agricultural productivity and reducing dependence on rain-fed farming.
According to the Chairman of the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer, Dahiru Muhammad, the project will unlock Nigeria’s vast irrigation potential, 70% of which lies in the North. The project will also provide training to farmers in advanced farming techniques, water conservation, and agribusiness development.
The Irrigate Nigeria Project is a public-private partnership (PPP) initiative that will attract investment, deploy smart irrigation technologies, and provide market-driven technical support. The project will also integrate solar-powered water pumps and automated irrigation systems to enhance efficiency and reduce water wastage.
The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Khalil Halilu, explained that the goal of Irrigate Nigeria is to transform Nigeria’s agriculture through the provision of sustainable irrigation systems. The project will increase productivity, reduce food prices, and empower farmers to achieve year-round farming.
Halilu highlighted four key features of the Irrigate Nigeria Project, including
:- The deployment of centralized NASENI irrigation systems to support farming clusters in participating communities.
– The provision of input-enhanced seeds and fertilizers and technical support to participating farmers.
– The specialized nature of the commercial model, aimed at ensuring commercial viability and long-term sustainability.
– Ensuring that Nigeria’s farmers can farm throughout the year, regardless of the availability of rains.
The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, commended the initiative, stating that it will boost food availability and security through dry season farming and other agricultural activities. The governor also allocated an additional 50,000 hectares of land in the Toro local government area for the project.
The Irrigate Nigeria Project is expected to have a significant impact on Nigeria’s agricultural sector, increasing farming capacity, economic growth, and food security for Nigerian farmers. With the project’s focus on sustainable irrigation systems and smart technologies, Nigeria is poised to become a major player in the global agricultural market.
As the project progresses, it is expected to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve food security in Nigeria. The Irrigate Nigeria Project is a testament to the government’s commitment to transforming the country’s agricultural sector and ensuring a sustainable future for Nigerian farmers.
About the Author
