Food Security: NASENI Launches ‘Irrigate Nigeria’ Project

The federal government has inaugurated a one-million-hectare year-round irrigation scheme in Gamawa local government area of Bauchi State.

The scheme, implemented under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund by THE National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) tagged ‘Irrigate Nigeria,’ was designed to support climate resilience agriculture to achieve national food security.

Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Mr Khalil Halilu, said the irrigation scheme was part of the fulfilment of President Bola Tinubu’s promise to Nigerians while campaigning for votes in 2023.

He said the programme would transform agricultural practices to boost the quality and quantity of farm produce to achieve food security and reduce food prices.

Mr Halilu said through the Irrigate Nigeria Scheme, the private sector would be empowered through engagements in farmers clusters at the grassroots.

He explained that in Gamawa, Irrigate Nigeria would support Tiamin Rice cultivate about 30,000 hecters of land.

“The Irrigate Nigeria scheme supports farming throughout the year and would boost rural economies  increasing quality and quantity of harvests,” he said.

Mr Halilu said the project seeks to increase foreign exchange and attract foreign investment.

The Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Adamu, said the Irrigate Nigeria project was an attestation to the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to improve the economic well-being of farmers in the country.

He said the project also provided an opportunity for farmers in local communities to adopt climate smart agriculture for sustainable livelihoods.

Governor Bala Mohammed commended President Tinubu for coming up with the Irrigate Nigeria policy, adding that it would have effects across the agriculture value chain.

He assured of his commitment to continue supporting federal government policies that would add value to the lives of the people.

The governor called on traditional rulers to minimise farmers at the grassroots to key into the project in other to achieve food security in the state and Nigeria as a whole.

Governor Mohammed further disclosed an approval for 50,000 hectares of land for NASENI Irrigate Nigeria in Toro local government.