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Tag: Irrigation

  • Experts demand infrastructure overhaul in irrigation, others

    Experts demand infrastructure overhaul in irrigation, others

    As Nigeria navigates the dual challenges of feeding its increasing population and mitigating the escalating impacts of climate change, a powerful consensus is emerging among experts: a sweeping revamp of the nation’s infrastructure, particularly in dams for irrigation, food transportation, and processing capabilities, is critical for agricultural resilience and disaster prevention.

    “Despite Nigeria’s over 200 dams across various states, many remain either poorly managed or structurally outdated, limiting their capacity to serve as irrigation backbones for agricultural production,” stated Chief Executive of the Produce Export Development Alliance, Adetiloye Continental. In a passionate call to action, Continental urged the Federal Government to revitalise the numerous  dams to boost food production and prevent the recurring devastation caused by uncontrolled water releases.

    Continental highlighted the catastrophic flooding that followed the release of excess water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam, which exposed Nigeria’s vulnerabilities. This event led to massive destruction of farmlands and displacement across 1,798 communities in 263 local government areas, with major causes identified as dam releases, excessive rainfall, and blocked drainages.

    “Year after year, our farmers suffer huge losses because we lack a coordinated and automated system to manage water releases from dams,” Continental lamented. “There is no real-time alert system to inform farmers in advance when floodgates will be opened or to allow communities downstream to evacuate or protect their crops.”

     He advocated for automated dam control systems equipped with digital monitoring, real-time flood forecasting, and emergency communication infrastructure, emphasising their vital role in preventing both drought and flooding- extremes increasingly threatening Nigeria’s food security.

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    Echoing the call for improved infrastructure, the Executive Director, National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Prof. Chiedozie Egesi, articulated a comprehensive vision for supporting agriculture and food processing.

    Speaking on the sidelines of the recent World Cassava Day in Abuja, Egesi outlined a national strategy that integrates policy, research, product development, and processing to build a resilient and sustainable cassava value chain. A critical issue ,he  urged should be tackled is the substantial post-harvest loss of cassava,  due to inefficient transportation.  Egesi emphasised the new focus on establishing decentralised processing capabilities at farm or rural levels, or creating aggregation centers with efficient logistics. “This move aims to minimise the transportation of ‘waste water’ and significantly reduce costs for farmers,” he stated.

    Beyond traditional food items  such as  gari and fufu,he indicated that the sector  is actively championing the development of novel cassava derivatives. “We’ve been so focused on traditional products buy cassava holds immense potential to produce high-value items such  dextrose, crucial for pharmaceutical-grade intravenous syrup,” Egesi noted, He highlighted NRCRI’s pivotal role in driving this diversification into secondary products, positioning innovation as a cornerstone of the national strategy.

    The ultimate objective, according to  Egesi, is to transcend self-sufficiency in cassava production and transition to industrialisation and export. “When you sell a unit weight of cassava in Nigerian markets versus when you export it, the value obtained is not the same. This  export-oriented approach is strategically designed to incentivize young Nigerians to engage in farming and processing,he stressed.

    Recently, Managing Director   Ogun-Osun River Development Authority, Dr. Adedeji Ashiru said the  Federal Government plans to construct seven dams across the southwestern states to bolster irrigation and support year-round farming.

     Ashiru,  who made the announcement, said the decision aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to enhance food security and control flooding.Ashiru said each of the seven dam sites will include greenhouses, open fields, and storage facilities to support sustainable agriculture.

    The decision, the managing director said, follows a year of severe flooding attributed to high rainfall and the effects of climate change which, therefore, necessitates the increase of water management infrastructure in mitigating ecological challenges.

    Last year,  Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), said Nigeria will get at least 55 percent of the global water fund coming to member states of the regional bloc. ECOWAS Commissioner for infrastructure, Energy and Digitization, Sediko Douka, disclosed this at the 5th ordinary session of the Ministerial Monitoring Committee (MMC), meeting for a Framework for coordination and monitoring of Integrated Water Resources Management, IWRM, in Abuja.

    He said Nigeria’s share is based on her large population and contribution to the regional bloc’s levy.

    Douka who explained that West African states have been committed to the integrated water management leading to an action plan in 2000 and frame work in 2001 stressed the need for a new form of water management to tackle water related problems.

  • Stakeholders push for improved irrigation

    Stakeholders push for improved irrigation

    As erratic rainfall and climate-related challenges threaten food production across West Africa, agricultural stakeholders are calling for urgent investments in modern irrigation and mechanisation systems to combat food insecurity and enhance productivity.

    Experts warn that with Africa’s population projected to hit 1.6 billion by 2030, the continent must produce at least 50 per cent more food and significantly increase water availability for energy production. Already, the International High-Level Panel on Water Investments in Africa stressed the urgency for reforms in water management and investment in innovative technologies to meet growing demand.

    The Head of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) in Morocco, ProfBruno Gerard said a transformative shift in how irrigation and mechanisation are approached is vital for West Africa to tackle declining productivity, rural labour shortages, and worsening climate variability.

    “These are not peripheral issues but central to sustainably intensifying agriculture in Africa. The absence of mechanisation results in drudgery—especially for women and youth—and causes missed agronomic windows, such as delayed sowing and weeding, leading to significant yield losses,” Gerard said.

    He advocated for inclusive access to small-scale mechanisation, including two-wheel tractors (2WTs), through service-driven models that prioritise affordability and accessibility over ownership. According to him, such models—proven effective in countries like Bangladesh and parts of East and Southern Africa—can empower rural entrepreneurs, create jobs, and improve farming outcomes, particularly under climate stress.

    On irrigation, Gerard emphasised the need for scalable technologies such as drip systems and solar-powered pumps, tailored to the specific needs of smallholder farmers. He noted that these solutions must be supported through local businesses, bundled financing, and advisory services. Drawing from UM6P’s experience, he highlighted the value of integrated, circular water management and digital tools for water-use monitoring, while cautioning that such tools must be adapted for low-infrastructure settings and be easy to maintain.

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    “For smallholders, service-led delivery is the key to inclusive mechanization. Governments must move from state-led tractor import programmes to enabling private service markets, including youth-led enterprises. This includes reducing import duties on small machinery, supporting repair networks, and creating smart subsidies that encourage market entry without distortion,” he said.

    Gerard also called for regional certification of agricultural machinery and quality assurance for irrigation kits to strengthen farmer confidence and ensure equipment durability.

    In line with these recommendations, the Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to improving irrigation and farming infrastructure.

    Speaking at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series in Abuja, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, announced the launch of 11 new projects across Benue, Jigawa, and Yobe states—agricultural hubs with significant production potential.

    Utsev revealed that the ministry, in partnership with 20 states, is implementing the Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) project to modernise dams, irrigation systems, and formulate a national hydropower master plan.

    The initiative includes the rehabilitation of over 154,000 hectares of irrigated land by River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs), distribution of tractors and harvesters to support mechanised farming, and leasing of more than 4,400 hectares to commercial farmers.

    Additionally, over 1,300 young Nigerians have received training in technical fields such as pump installation and drilling. The government, he noted, is also addressing climate-related risks through early warning systems and financial support mechanisms.

    “Over 1,200 communities in 30 states have been identified as flood-prone in 2025. In response, the Nigerian National Flood Insurance Programme was launched in April to provide financial protection for vulnerable households and farmers. We are proactively addressing climate risks through science-based early warning systems and financial safety nets,” Utsev said.

  • Fed Govt seeks more lands for irrigation farming in states

    Fed Govt seeks more lands for irrigation farming in states

    The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engineer Joseph Utsev has called on state governments to make available lands for irrigation farming to boost food production.

    Speaking in Minna during a tour to the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, Utsev also stressed the. 3ed for state governments to venture into the creation of irrigation facilities to improve agricultural activities and water supply.

    According to the Minister, boosting food production is crucial for reviving Nigeria’s economy and creating employment opportunities for its growing population.

     “I am calling on state governments to avail irrigable lands to our 12 river basins for irrigation purposes and I am also calling on state governments to also venture into creation of irrigation facilities and invest in irrigation farming.

    “This is the only way food production will be boosted in Nigeria and it will revive the economy of Nigeria as it would create jobs for the teeming population of Nigerians.

    “We are not relenting, all hands must be on deck to see that the emergency that has been placed on food production must be achieved and it is doable. We are leaving no stone unturned to make sure that that is being achieved,” he said.

    The Minister who visited the Niger state Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago pointed to the availability of the dams and the potential for partnerships with investors adding that once fully completed, the dam will serve various components, including recreational facilities and agricultural purposes.

    The Minister then applauded the collaboration between the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority and the Niger State government in irrigation activities and water supply.

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    The Niger state governor who was represented by his Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba highlighted the state government’s focus on dams and irrigation in the state adding that the existing dams in the state are being underutilised.

    arba called on the federal government to collaborate with the state and acknowledged that the state had underutilised its existing dams calling for more federal government intervention in waterworks and irrigation projects across the state.

    The Deputy Governor emphasised the potential of utilising the state’s water bodies to revive the economy urging the Minister to support the state government in achieving this goal.

    “Taking cognizance of our water bodies in Niger state, we have four dams but if you look at the utility of these dams apart from the generation of power, you will notice that we do not make up to 30 percent of the prospects we ought to have tapped from these dams,” he said.

    The Minister commissioned some projects completed by the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority during his visit.

  • ‘You can benefit from colon irrigation’

    Do you experience constipation? Or have a feeling of being bloated or your skin is dull, or almost cracking? You may benefit from Colonic irrigation.

    According to Fashoggi Healthshoppe Chief Consultant and a member of the Nigerian Council of Physicians of Natural Medicine, Olayinka Fashipe, Colonic irrigation also called Colonic Hydrotherapy is a safe and effective method of cleansing the colon by repeated gentle flushing with warm filtered water under very low pressure, using specialised massage techniques on the tummy area to stimulate release.

    Fashipe said people may wonder why the need to cleanse the colon. “My response is that in 90 per cent cases just going to the toilet is not enough because our ‘modern lifestyles’ are completely unnatural and this lead to a buildup of toxic waste in our bodies that accumulates over the years. And many factors contribute to this fecal accumulation, the most common are- stress, our busy lives and the temptation to always ignore the urge to go to the toilet when pressed.

    “The underlying factors are our diets, which are high in gluten and diary; red meat and processed meat consumption. Refined carbohydrates, sugars, processed foods, artificial preservatives, sweeteners and other chemicals. Low intake of vegetables, fruits and not enough water with consequent dehydration. High consumption of alcohol and caffeine also predisposes.”

    Fashipe, a right-hand man of the famous nutrition therapist, Dr Bamidele Ogagah, said colonic irrigation has eight important benefits for the health. It improves bowel regularity, resolve constipation,  increases energy levels and improves mood. It also improves digestion, provides a clearer and brighter skin complexion, boost immune system, assist in weight balancing and body shaping. It can alkalise the body, and hydrate the body.

     

    Colonic irrigation

    Explaining the therapy, Fashipe said colon cleansing encompasses a number of alternative therapies intended to remove non specific toxins from the colon and intestinal tract thus removing any accumulation of faecal matter. “Colonics are well worth it, in spite of cost, because they help remove an incredible amount of loosened waste material. It allows the use of much more water and it is easier to massage the abdomen while on your back. Numerous people, who have undergone it do testify to the efficacy and incredible benefits of colonics,” he said.

     

    The process

     

    A colonics hydrotherapist flushes out the colon by sending gallons of water into the body through a tube inserted into a person’s rectum and evacuates faecal matter, which had been in the colon over time. This procedure, which is completely odourless and painless can cost about $80 – $100 or more per session in the United States.

    “However, here in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos where l am conversant with, a session is lesser and cost between N10, 000 – N25, 000 depending on your place of choice. Dr. Ogaga as a nutritional/food doctor, who is now back in Lagos after many years of ‘sabbatical’  in Warri is among the very few owners of colonics irrigation machine in this clime. Sessions fees are generously discounted,” said Fashipe.

    Fashipe said colon cleansing can undoubtedly help improve the body’s overall health and wellness, and may even greatly reduce the risk for colon cancer, “other benefits include, but not limited to making the digestive system more effective. maintains regularity and prevents constipation. It increases energy by releasing toxins from the body, increases the body’s absorption of vitamins and nutrients and improves body’s overall concentration.

    “It also maintains PH balance in the blood stream and alkalises the body, assists in weight loss balancing and body shaping, e.g. pot bellies. It gives clearer and brighter skin complexion and boosts immune system,” Fashipe explained.

    According to Fashipe, “ones appointment includes a full consultation, followed by a session of treatment which lasts between 45 to 60 minutes. “You will be well covered with a towel during your treatment so that your privacy, comfort and dignity are maintained. A disposable speculum is very gently introduced. Only a controlled amount of water is allowed to enter the colon at any one time. Throughout your treatment you will receive deep skillful abdominal massage to encourage the release of stored matter and gas,”he said.

    He continued: “Note that several treatments or sessions are necessary to cleanse the fecal wastes that have accumulated over the years in the bowel, which is five – six feet long. For this reason, l highly recommend a starter course of 3 to 6 treatments.

    “An assessment will be done after each treatment as to when to come back for another session. Nutritional and lifestyle advice will be given at the end of each session. A high quality probiotic culture to restock the bowel flora will be recommended. The improved bowel environment combined with a good diet will encourage the ‘good bacteria’ to grow, boosting your immune system, bowel health and overall well-being. You sure need a colonics; not later but sooner.”

  • Irrigated agriculture, key to nation’s food security – Official

    Dr Elijah Aderibigbe, Director, Irrigation and Drainage, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, has called on all Nigerians to embrace irrigation farming to fast track nation’s food security.

    Aderibigbe told our reporter that there was no substitute to irrigation if Nigeria would meet its agricultural policy agenda.

    “The Federal Government has commenced the implementation of the National Roadmap towards increasing the country’s irrigated agriculture landmass, which stood between 150,000 and 170,000 hectares,” he said.

    According to him, the National Irrigation and Drainage Policy, approved in 2015 also called the roadmap and action plan, is in three phases to achieve no fewer than 500, 000 irrigated landmass by 2030.

    He said the roadmap was being implemented through the river basins and implementing agencies such as the World Bank in its Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project.

    He noted that the ongoing irrigation projects in Bakolori, Kano River, Hadeija Valley, Dadin Kowa and Guyuk were being made as models for other schemes to look up to.

    The director gave assurance that the models would be replicated in all the nation’s 12 river basins.

    He said all stakeholders on irrigation would be sensitised to understand the importance of irrigation in increasing agricultural production in the country.

    Aderibigbe added that institutional reforms were key to successful development in irrigation practices.

    While acknowledging the efforts of the state governments and private sectors, the director said irrigation hectare was between 150,000 and 170,000 in the country.

    He said there was an ongoing inventory of current irrigation facilities in the country, stressing that once completed Nigerians would be able to know their actual irrigated hectares.

    Aderibigbe said challenges on irrigation included funding, saying delay in timely release of funds had affected the performances of contractors to work in dry seasons.

    “By the time rain comes, if funding is there, they can’t work,” he said.

    He stressed the need for private sector to be involved in irrigated agriculture, saying that the Federal Government alone cannot fund these projects, because they are ‘capital-intensive’.

    “We also have some programmes under the public private partnership arrangement, so that some investors could come in to develop some lands and the beneficiaries will have reasons to smile.”

    He added that operation and maintenance of projects had been critical over the years.

    He emphasised that the ministry was focusing on participatory irrigation management concept whereby beneficiaries are included in the day-to-day running of the schemes.

    He, however, urged all water user associations to take ownership of irrigation schemes, stressing that Federal Government alone cannot provide and protect these schemes.

    Aderibigbe commended the Federal Government on its commitment to complete all abandoned water projects, noting that most of them were left at 60 per cent completion stage.

    “Some of our projects that were abandoned had been taken up.

    ‘‘We have done the Revised Estimated Total Cost, so that the contractors can go back to site, and finish up, some of them were abandoned at 65, 70 per cent.

    ‘‘If we don’t complete them (projects), it’s like wasting and dumping these resources,” he said.

    NAN

  • FADAMA III spends N197m on irrigation dam in Niger

    FADAMA III spends N197m on irrigation dam in Niger

    The FADAMA III Additional Financing in Niger, on Monday, said it had spent N197 million on the rehabilitation of irrigation dam in Edozhigi community of Gbako Local Government Area of the state.

    Alhaji Baba Shaba, the Communication Officer of FADAMA III in Niger, made this disclosure in an interview in Minna.

    He explained that the entire irrigation scheme was 870 hectares of land, consisting of primary and secondary canals and only 140 hectares had been rehabilitated.

    Shaba said that the irrigation scheme would assist farmers in the area to cultivate about 20 hactares of rice for dry season farming before the end of January.

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    He advised the farmers in the areas to take advantage of the irrigation dam to improve on dry season farming, so as to have all year round harvest of rice in the state.

    Shaba added that FADAMA III also spent three million naira to purchase milling and stoner engine for women in Edozhigi, as part of the efforts to empower them to become self-reliant.

    He said that the milling and stoner engine would be used to add value to their farm produce and process them before selling in the market.

    NAN

  • Expert calls for better irrigation, reservoir management

    To protect farmers from the growing stresses of extreme weather and climate change, the Federal Government has been urged to promote better use of irrigation to improve food security.

    Dr Ademola Adeyemo, Head of General Management Division, Agricultural & Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI) in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, said it would give the country’s agriculture sector a new lease of life, in the face of shifting weather patterns.

    He said it paved the way for the country to use its available land resources for the sustainable development of irrigation.

    He said irrigation development is crucial since rain-fed agriculture is affected by drought and floods that will be exacerbated by climate change, impacting significantly on both the national economy and smallholder farmers’ vulnerability to food insecurity.

    To combat the effects of climate change, he said the nation needs sustainable irrigation that recognises the role of farmers and the challenges they face in developing the sector.

    He called for funding to pave the way for financing irrigation activities carried out by individual farmers and investors, through loans or grants. This will enable farmers’ groups, private individuals, associations and companies to own built irrigation infrastructure.

    He wants the government to improve the management of its numerous reservoirs to optimise the efficiency of its water management.

    He said the effects of climate change and natural disasters are becoming more unpredictable. He said the management of reservoirs should also encompass the collection of weather statistics, rather than depending on information provided by weather forecast agencies.

    He stressed the need to build a more comprehensive reservoir management system that prioritises structural safety, efforts to reduce adverse effects of flooding, and initiatives to maintain the water supply in downstream areas.

    He said the country had the potential of becoming a leading food producer since it had vast water bodies for irrigation purposes.

    According to him, irrigation facilities in the country are not in shape and the onus is on Government to invest more on irrigation infrastructure to boost food production capacity instead of relying on imports.

    He urged the government to boost the nation’s agriculture by accelerating the development of infrastructure such as roads and storage.

    He emphasised that increasing productivity in agriculture is critical for sustainable development and economic growth.

  • Micro irrigation transforming small farms

    Micro irrigation transforming small farms

    For subsistence farmers in rain-scarce areas of the country, micro irrigation can make the difference between hand-to-mouth survival and being able to grow an agro-allied business. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

    Farmers face the challenge of low yields nationwide. This is attributed largely to poor   access to water, which forces them to rely mostly on rain-fed crops. In the North, farmers grow rain-fed staple crops such as millet, but enjoy a rainy season lasting between three and  six months. Rainfall is highly variable, which makes the crops susceptible to climatic condition resulting in low returns.

    The experience is not restricted to the North, it is the same in the South-West. It is one of the challenges of the Chief Executive of X-Ray Farms Consulting, Afioluwa Mogaji, popularly known as African farmer, who has always dreamt of the day he will escape a laborious farming life.

    As a small holder farmer, water and labour shortages are Mogaji’s key challenges. Their absence result in hard toil. In the course of his business, Mogaji has met two kinds of farmers — those with access to irrigation and those without. The difference between the two  is clear.  Those with drip irrigation, or sprinklers invariably are reaping rich harvests and profits. But the vast majority of Nigerian farmers, fall into the second camp: they water their crops with water from wells or rivers.

    These farmers seem to live from crop cycle-to-crop cycle.  Their problem is water supply and the solution is irrigation. While the traditional irrigation control system is  available, it is costly and complex. Though such system covers hectares of farmlands, it costs millions and so too expensive for farmers such as  Mogaji. Besides, it is not economical for small farmers with few acres of farmland to purchase such systems.  The promotion of low-cost, small-scale irrigation equipment could be the solution.

    What won him over was a drip irrigation system designed for small farms like him.Apart from being three to four times cheaper than normal systems, low  cost system increases crop yield, quality and consistency, while using less water per unit of land — benefiting farmers, consumers and the planet.

    Also, the average purchase price is N100,000 or less. Mogaji, who bought some, said the advantage is that they are mobile and can be shifted from one field to the other. He said one system can work on one acre and move to the other after a few hours. He described them as shift able drip systems. They can last for as long as 12 years.

    For farmers, irrigation represents a major expenditure of labour and time; some may spend more than half-a-day hauling water to farms. Providing them with a lower cost solution with increased efficiency, helps to bring down the cost of production to thousands of families and get them out of poverty. African farmers explained that micro irrigation is the way to go because it is affordable for farmers.

    Mogaji said low-cost drip systems tailored to the needs of poor farmers have begun to spread. These include rain gun and bucket drip irrigation system. He added, however, that the system is limited to some extent. This is because it is best used on fields of one acre or less.

    Compared  to  the  high-tech systems  that  are  so complex, he  said the  micro system  are  easy to use, adding that the technology allows farmers to customise irrigation to different parts of a single field.

    He has experimented with micro irrigation equipment, which to his delight, cut by half, his effort and the quantum of water needed, while increasing the output from his farm.

    In some cases, micro irrigation systems have reduced the amount of water needed to cultivate an acre of  land by 50 per cent, and have been shown to improve yields by more than 40 per cent and offer input cost savings of about 30 per cent.

    They also allow for year-round farming, which means that farmers don’t have to uproot families and migrate to other places during the dry season. The overall result has reduced dependence on flood irrigation and increased the opportunity for farmers to earn more steady incomes.

    He has seen farmers whose fortunes have changed dramatically after installing drip-irrigation equipment as it helps them  irrigate their land with far less water, and reap substantial increases in yields.

    The Project Director, Cassava Adding to Africa (CAVA), Prof Kola Adebayo, told The Nation  that there is need for farmers to use irrigation water to supplement rainfall in agricultural production systems. This must be determined by soil type and other factors.

    His  concern  is  that   most small farmers who  constitute the  bulk  of  the  farming  production,  cannot grow crops throughout the year due to insufficient rainfall and are unable to afford existing irrigation systems which are either too expensive or   complicated to use.

    He said however, that there are efficient low-cost small-scale irrigation technologies designed for farmers with land holdings of a hectare or less.

    The technology, he explained, enables farmers to efficiently irrigate and grow crops and boost their farming income.  In water-short areas, he said farmers can take advantage of micro irrigation system to increase their irrigated land area instead of reducing groundwater withdrawals.

    For him, it is about yield and farmers are getting more crops per drop and at the same time applying less water to the field.

    Irrigation advocate, Chidiebere Igbokwe, said farmers in Kano, Enugu, Plateau, Niger, Lagos, Osun, Abia and Ogun are using drip irrigation.

    For example, he said there is an on-going a multi-hectare plantain plantation project in  Enugu State that will use drip irrigation.  Also in Jos, more small scale farmers are giving drip irrigation a trial.

    On why many farmers are not using the drip irrigation kits on their farms despite its potential to increase output, Igbokwe said people tend to use what they know about.

    His words: “In the absence of awareness of its existence or lack of knowledge about the ease of affordability, how can farmers put them to use? Some farmers do not know that there are smaller drip irrigation kits that they can apply to their small farms of say 100 square meters  to even a hectare. Another reason is that some farmers cannot afford to pay as much as N50,000 at once to purchase a small kit without subsidy. Even in the government agricultural transformation agenda (ATA), you cannot see the display or mention of drip irrigation kits being introduced to farmers. Their concern is on large dam irrigation as if the programme was only for the briefcase farmers.”

    He stressed that drip irrigation is very affordable. His words:  “They are priced according to their specifications and area of coverage. You can get a kit as low as N25,000 and as high as N2 million. They come in sizes ranging from 30, 100,150,250,500,1000,2500 square meters to one hectare. For example a hectare drip irrigation solution for a plantain plantation can cost as low as N1.2 Million.” On whether it  adds to the cost of production or making farming profitable, Igbokwe said the initial investment in drip irrigation could be recouped at the 1st season or as the venture goes on.

    “Most drip kits which come as a complete package in a box excluding water storage tank  last more than 10 years and needs little or no maintenance if the standard operating instruction by the manufacturers is followed. For example, a kit of N55-60,000 will cover a farm with 1500 stands of pepper plants which can yield 180,000 fruits @ 12 fruits per stand and at a net sales of N360,000.

    With this picture you can see that it is very profitable to invest in drip irrigation kits. Do not forget that farming is not a magic money machine rather it’s an investment that must be followed till it starts yielding profit.”

    If the government subside drip irrigation, he said farmers having small land holdings in rain-fed areas can raise crops and earn decent incomes.

    For watchers, Nigeria is a fast-growing drip-irrigation market. There are concerns, however, that the pace of rapid agricultural growth could be undermined by plummeting levels of its water tables. Some farmers have abandoned their farm activities owing to shortage of labour and irrigation water.

    With introduction of micro irrigation, a lot of farmers may revive farm activities and adopt modern agriculture practices to boost production.

    Micro irrigation not only supply required quantum of water to crops but also prevent growth of weeds, and reduce labour in farm work.

    Very limited labour force would be sufficient to man the farm till harvesting.

    Experts are worried that Nigeria is wrestling with double-digit food price inflation, fuelled by a combination of higher input costs – including rising labour costs – and growing demand for higher-value food items by an increasingly affluent population. However, drip irrigation is a proven solution to both of these challenges.

     

  • Dry season: Irrigation farming to the rescue

    Dry season: Irrigation farming to the rescue

    The dry season is usually a challenging period for farmers. With an average precipitation that is below 60 millimetres and lack of watering holes, farmers face many challenges in planting. But with the efforts of the Federal Government to address this problem, farmers may no longer be left dry when the weather gets harsh, DANIEL ESSIET reports.

    DRY-SEASON farming is not profitable for crops production. This is because there are no irrigation facilities in  most parts of the country.

    Some farmlands receive yearly rainfall of about 20 inches. Many farmlands in the North lhave become degraded. Areas that used to be covered by trees and homes have been deforested. Also, the climate is changing the outlook of farming.

    Farmers face unpredictable weather brought on by climate change. Sometimes the rainy season comes late; at other times, it ends early. Sometimes the rains come late and hard, causing floods. At other times, rains don’t come at all, causing drought. With these weather changes, it is difficult for farmers to plan which crops to grow, when to prepare land, when to plant, and how to plan other farming tasks. Worst hit are those from the North who have  to  respond to serious weather changes, making it difficult for them to farm during  dry  season, which runs from October to May. The weather during this period is much hotter and drier. For this reason, farmers adopt various agricultural practices to confront these differences in weather patterns.

    But the Federal Government has taken some steps to address the situation.

    Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, said the Federal Government has okayed the release of N14 billion for dry season farming.

    The funds underscores the importance government attaches to dry season farming.

    Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture Alhaji Mohammed Yusuf, who spoke in Bauchi at a stakeholders meeting of the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) Scheme, said agricultural input would also be provided to farmers under the dry season farming programme.

    He said in Bauchi State alone, the Federal Government provided incentives to 10,000 dry season rice farmers.

    According to him, each farmer received three bags of fertiliser at 50 per cent discount and 25kg of improved rice seeds.

    Yusuf said more than 400,000 farmers from 19 participating states were being supported under the 2013/2014 dry season GES scheme.

    He said: “The effort produced more than one million tonnes of rice during last year’s dry season farming with just over 200,000 farmers drawn from 10 states.

    “We intend to double or even triple the production this year.

    “We have already carried out sensitisation campaign across the state, identified genuine farmers, enlightened them and assessed their level of preparedness in respect of land and source of water.

    “I am happy to inform you that our farmers are ready; they have prepared their lands in clusters and ready for planting. Very soon, we will commence distribution of the input.”

    The director advised farmers to utilise the input to expand their production capacity, adding that the problems of processing and marketing had been addressed through the value chain initiative.

    Director, Dams and Reservoir Operations, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Dr Emmanuel Adanu, urged farmers to embrace irrigation farming, as it can deliver greater crop yield than rain-fed farming.

    He noted that irrigation farming was more productive because it was usually regulated and more focused than rain-fed farming.

    According to him, that is why people in the South are being encouraged to use the dams in their areas for irrigation.

    “We are encouraging people in the South now to go into irrigation farming even though  we don’t have a long period of dry season for them to do continuous irrigation.

    “So, we encourage them to go into some irrigation because the production from irrigation normally is better than rain-fed agriculture,” he said.

    Adanu said the North engaged in irrigation agriculture more because it has a longer period of dry season and abundant expanse of land than the South.

    The Manager, Asaba Area Office of Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority, Mr Charles Ovweigho, said dry season rice farming would soon start at Illah, Delta State after the inauguration of Illah irrigation project.

    He said the N200 million project was for dry season rice farming.

    He explained that 100 hectares, out of the 200, earmarked for rice farming, was irrigated for dry season farming.

    “The contract for the irrigation was awarded in 2012 and the project will soon be inaugurated by the Minister of Agriculture,” he said.

    Ovweigho said the farm project extended to the neighbouring Ebu community, where 100 hectares of land was acquired, adding that 15 hectares had also been cleared in the community.

    He said interested large-scale farmers would be allowed to farm on the land after fulfilling some obligations.

    “This is a Federal Government project and it is all over the country; no restrictions or discrimination is placed on anybody,” adding that interests of host communities would be protected.

    Ovweigho said farmers on the land, only paid for the cost of land preparations, adding that when the irrigation system becomes operational the cost would also be subsidised.

    The government is said to have earmarked 230,000 hectares in 10 states under a pilot scheme to commence dry season farming.

    To  support  the  Federal Government, MARKETS II programme of the United States Agency  for International Development(USAID)  trained 2,229 lead farmers on best agronomic practices in dry season rice farming. Following the success of the 2013 pilot dry season rice programme that reached an initial 3,005 rice farmers in three states, MARKETS II continues to expand on the potential to improve farmers’ livelihoods and meet increasing demand for paddy.

    Last year, the dry season rice programme has been expanded to 10,000 rice farmers in Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Kano, and Niger states. The project conducted demonstrations on the use of a motorcycle-mounted water pumping device for irrigation and established 17 technology transfer centres (TTCs) in the northern states using fertiliser deep placement technology. The TTCs serve as learning sites for networked farmers.

    Stakeholders have urged the Federal Government to ensure early completion of  the various irrigation projects spread across the country to ensure the success of the dry season farming programme, food security and prosperity for farmers.

    The challenge, however, is that farmer-driven investment in small-scale irrigation is spreading without much government’s support in creating an enabling environment where farmers have information on the various systems, financial services to help them invest, and market access to sell produce.

    Another constraint is the lack of detailed hydro-geological mapping for the nation as a whole. This is because successful rainwater harvesting in on-farm ponds can depend on soil type and rainfall patterns, and works best on moderately sloping land.

    Finding a way to do mapping with some economies of scale and making the information public or available to smallholders would change the landscape and economics entirely.

    One of those affected is Mallam Kabiru Musa. Sometimes, when he has to do some work in the farm, he leaves his home early and work before the sun becomes scorching. He has to plough the land to grow millets and to control weeds.  But in  recent years,  climate  change  has made  his pre-planting activities challenging. This is because it makes rains more unpredictable.

    The farmlands get more  degraded. The fertility of soil decreases thus posing threats to agricultural production and resulting in lower crop yields and endangering the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

    Where they  have to apply input and use improved seeds to get high yields, there is  shortage of water, attributed  to the changing climate. Sometimes the rains stop or it does not rain during the season. Musa is worried about the increasingly harsh weather as  the   rainy season is becoming short and  some    of his  crops   need three months rainy season to  grow  to harvest.

    It is not in the North alone that farmers face dry season challenges. Farmers in the Southwest are  also  confronted by challenges farming during the dry season.

    Programme Corodinator, Farmers Development Union (FADU), Mr Victor Olowe, said it is difficult for  farmers to grow okro and  other  vegetables that need much moisture.

    According  to him,  farming is becoming more challenging yearly with changes brought  by hotter temperature.

    Not only is it difficult to make decisions about what to grow, but yields have dropped. Climate change also is interacting with other pressures on the land, such as deforestation and environmental degradation, to reduce farmers’ ability to cope.

    To this  end, the farmers have had to work  with extension to advocate practices such as using input, planting trees, using drought-resistant crops, early-maturing crops, diversification into other activities to adapt to the changing climate.

    Generally, he explained that the changing climate is shifting weather patterns, reflecting  in increasing  number of hot days.

    He said the government can help  to cushion  the impact by supporting smallholder irrigation to improve productivity and incomes. This will also involve encouraging farmers to embrace  irrigation systems, such as pumps and on-farm ponds, freeing them from rain dependence to grow crops year-round, and to grow more high-value crops. In response, farmers are trying many things. They are growing new crops, trying drought-tolerant varieties, and changing other farm practices.

    Publisher, Agro Nigeria, Mr Richard Mbaram, said  he had witnessed a lot of efforts by the government to offer solutions to challenges faced by small farmers on drylands.

    According to him, Dr. Adesina has articulated his passion and commitment to smallholder agriculture, and a strong desire to improve the lives of millions of impoverished smallholder farmers and their families living in the drylands of the country.

    Mbaram said the Federal Government’s intervention policy on rice has boosted rice production.

    He acknowledged the  attestations of the governors of Kebbi and Kogi states, and the billions of naira invested by the private investor-driven interest groups, saying they were an endorsement of the government’s policy by the private and public sector.

  • FG seeks $1bn loan for irrigation, water supply

    FG seeks $1bn loan for irrigation, water supply

    The federal government yesterday said it will seek about $1billion loan and grants from development partners to improve water supply and irrigation in the country.

    The loan, which will be sourced from the World Bank, African Development Bank, French Development Agency, European Union, USAID and Islamic Development Bank, will be put to use in twelve states and two River Basin Development Authorities.

    The Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, said this in Abuja at the 3rd Workshop on Performance Assessment, Benchmarking and Governance Issues of Water Agencies in Nigeria.

    Ochekpe, who was represented by the Director, Special Duties, office of the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Daniel Dauda, explained that the government had in 2004 got a loan of $1billion to boost infrastructure in 12 states.

    “The level of success being recorded in the implementation of the programme has given us the confidence to plan and support the process of upscaling it to cover water supply and irrigation development in additional 12 states and two River Basin Development Authorities.

    “When the on-going process mature, additional facilities of about one billion dollars ($1billion) will be further sourced from the partners,” the minister said.

    She said the programme will improve access to potable water supply by the citizens.

    According to her, the programme will also enhance the performances of the state water agencies for sustainable service delivery.

    The government, she said, will monitor and evaluate the programme closely to ensure service delivery and success.

    “The reform programme covers infrastructure development, public private partnership development, institutional strengthening and capacity building. Let me use this opportunity to call on the governments of the states that are currently on the programme to be more proactive through formulation and implementation of necessary action plans that will enhance the achievements of sustainable water service deliver to the citizens of their states,” she added.