Bauchi State Government has launched the Irrigate Nigeria Project, aimed at transforming agriculture through sustainable irrigation and modern farming techniques. The project, part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, seeks to empower youths and women through all-season agriculture activities.
Speaking at the launch in Udubo Gamawa Local Government Area, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed said the project will see 30,000 hectares of land harvested annually in Udubo, boosting food availability and security through dry season farming and other agricultural activities.
The project is being implemented by the National Agency for Science Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF). Its goal is to unlock Nigeria's vast arable land through irrigation and provide market-driven support for sustainable growth and development.
Governor Mohammed commended President Tinubu for initiating the project, describing it as "historic" and a testament to his leadership ingenuity and innovative spirit. He also praised NASENI for spearheading the initiative, saying it sets the pace for a new model of large-scale commercial agriculture that is transparent and well-structured.
The project is expected to have a significant impact on the state's economy and food security, with the government ensuring its sustainability to attract more participants across the state. It aims to increase farming capacity, economic growth, and food security for Nigerian farmers, and drive knowledge transfer, introduce advanced technology, and distribute wealth equitably.
Khalil Sulieman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of NASENI, explained that the project's goal is to transform Nigeria's agricultural system through sustainable irrigation systems that empower farmers for all-year-round farming. Dr. Zach Adedeji of RHIDF said the launch fulfills the promise to ensure food security for Nigerian citizens ¹.
The launch was attended by thousands, with many farmers expressing hopes that the project will benefit small-scale farmers, not just large-scale ones.
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