Food security: FG introduces simple irrigation techniques to Nigerian farmers

The Federal Government has introduced a Simple Irrigation training programme for farmer groups in the country.

This is geared towards boosting all-year-round crop production, farmers’ income, and enhance food  and nutrition security.

Addressing participants at the Training and Demonstration of Simple Irrigation Facilities for Dogaroda-Kai Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion, SHEP, Farmers’ Group in Keffi, Nasarawa State, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, stated that the programme aims to equip farmers with practical irrigation solutions, reducing vulnerability to erratic rainfall and boosting productivity.

Represented by the Director, Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services, FDAES, Mr. Ayodele Olawumi, he noted that the training aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes food security, farmer empowerment, and climate-smart agriculture.

Kyari highlighted that the Agenda championed by the Ministry “is firmly anchored on the belief that Nigeria must feed itself and prosper through agriculture.

“It places Agriculture at the centre of national development by prioritising food security, empowering farmers at the grassroots through training, extension services, and access to modern technologies, promoting climate-smart and resilient agricultural practices, and creating jobs while driving rural prosperity and economic growth,” he added.

To achieve this, Kyari disclosed that the Ministry has distributed critical agricultural inputs to farmers nationwide for timely access to improved seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals; strengthened extension services and institutions to better serve farmers and also expanded partnerships with development agencies and the private sector to mobilize investments for agricultural modernization

He emphasized that the irrigation programme, which is championed by the FDAES, is part of the ministry’s efforts to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector into a modern, resilient, and inclusive engine of national development.

The minister added that the  training will cover simple irrigation techniques, crop diversification, and market-driven solutions, enabling farmers to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the nation’s economic growth

According to him, the programme will also strengthen organised farmer groups, build community resilience, and ensure food sovereignty in the country

Kyari revealed that the SHEP project, funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has been implemented in Nigeria since 2017, with FDAES partnering with KickStart International Limited to provide affordable irrigation solutions.

While commending stakeholders and partners for their contributions towards the success of the programme, Kyari called on the Dogaroda-Kai SHEP Farmers’ Group to learn and adopt the innovation  methods so as to cascade the knowledge garnered into making Nasarawa State a hub of sustainable agricultural productivity in the country

In his remarks,  Secretary, Dogaroda-kai SHEP Farmers, Yusuf Mohammed, pledged that the farmers will leverage the  knowledge acquired from the training to increase productivity.

Highlight of the event wss the official handover of a manual water pump to the SHEP Farmers Group by the Director, Agricultural Extension Services.

Food security: FG introduces simple irrigation techniques to Nigerian farmers