The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has launched the “Irrigate Nigeria” project, aiming to transform the agricultural landscape by enabling year-round farming through modern irrigation techniques.
The Vision Behind Irrigate Nigeria
Under the leadership of Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Mr. Khalil S. Halilu, NASENI aims to empower farmers to achieve up to three farming cycles annually, a significant increase from the traditional single-season harvest. This initiative is expected to boost food production and address food scarcity challenges across the nation.
Key Components of the Project
The Irrigate Nigeria project is structured around four main components:
- Centralized Irrigation Systems: Deployment of NASENI-designed irrigation systems to support farming clusters in participating communities.
- Enhanced Agricultural Inputs: Provision of high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and technical support to complement the irrigation infrastructure.
- Sustainable Commercial Model: Implementation of a business model that ensures the project’s commercial viability and long-term sustainability.
- Flexible Repayment Mechanism: Farmers repay support through portions of their harvests, contributing to a strategic food reserve aimed at stabilizing commodity prices and facilitating exports.
Public-Private Partnership for Sustainability
The project operates under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, involving collaboration between NASENI, the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF), and private sector entities. This approach ensures that investments are efficiently managed and that the initiative remains sustainable beyond its initial phase.
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Pilot Phase in Bauchi State
The pilot phase commenced on a 10-hectare land in Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State. Bauchi State Governor, Alhaji Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, expressed gratitude for selecting Gamawa as the project’s launch site, highlighting its potential to enhance food security, economic empowerment, and national stability.
Addressing Nigeria’s Irrigation Potential
Nigeria possesses an irrigation potential of 3.14 million hectares, yet only about 200,000 hectares are currently under irrigation. The Irrigate Nigeria project aims to bridge this gap by developing one million hectares of irrigated land, with 70% located in the northern regions.
Empowering Farmers with Modern Techniques
Beyond infrastructure, the project focuses on training farmers in advanced farming techniques, water conservation, and agribusiness development. This comprehensive approach ensures that farmers are well-equipped to maximize the benefits of modern irrigation technologies.
Anticipated Benefits
The successful implementation of the Irrigate Nigeria project is expected to:
- Increase Agricultural Productivity: Enable multiple farming cycles per year, leading to higher yields.
- Boost Farmers’ Incomes: Provide opportunities for increased earnings through enhanced productivity.
- Reduce Food Prices: Increase food supply, leading to more affordable prices for consumers.
- Enhance Food Security: Ensure a consistent and reliable food supply, reducing dependence on rain-fed agriculture.
- Promote Economic Stability: Position Nigeria as a potential agricultural export hub, earning foreign exchange and contributing to economic growth.
Conclusion
The Irrigate Nigeria project represents a significant step towards modernizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector. By leveraging modern irrigation technologies and fostering public-private partnerships, NASENI aims to create a sustainable and prosperous future for Nigerian farmers and the nation at large.
