Under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, the Nigerian government has recently reiterated its dedication to attaining food self-sufficiency as a fundamental national objective. While visiting the solarisation initiative at the Centre Pivot Irrigation Unit of the Middle Ogun Irrigation Project in Iseyin, Oyo State, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Joseph Utsev emphasised that the goals of enhancing food security, generating employment, and Economic Development aligns with the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The tour showcased initiatives aimed at enhancing farm output through the improvement of critical facilities for irrigation agriculture.
Moreover, the Middle Ogun Irrigation Project, established in 1990, seeks to cultivate about 12,000 hectares of land. Initially, the project depended on diesel-run generators for its irrigation setups, but increasing expenses and various difficulties have pushed the government towards more sustainable solutions. Utsev revealed the transition to Solar Energy and the integration with the national grid, underscoring an essential advancement in enhancing Agricultural Productivity and lowering irrigation expenses. The minister emphasised the government’s commitment to improving the nation’s agricultural production capabilities, noting the establishment of essential Infrastructure to boost agricultural productivity.
85% of the solar project and 95% of grid integration have been completed.
He mentioned that the project’s shift to solar energy and grid power is nearly complete, with 85% of the solar project and 95% of the grid integration already achieved. This project is a vital component of a larger strategy to modernise farming practices across the country and decrease reliance on traditional energy sources. Utsev expressed optimism that the current procurement efforts will lead to the successful execution of the projects. He also disclosed plans for an extensive rehabilitation of the remaining regional irrigation systems soon.
This initiative aims to enhance the centre’s functionality, allowing it to fulfil its initial objective of effectively utilising all 12,000 hectares of agricultural land. According to the minister, the project’s modernisation is expected to be completed within two to three years. Once fully operational, the project will be pivotal in enhancing agricultural production, creating jobs, and supporting the economy. The government’s long-term vision is to harness the full potential of irrigation farming to address nutritional Security challenges.
Govt is encouraging farmers to expand the use of irrigation farming.
In addition to improving the energy efficiency of irrigation systems, the government’s efforts are also aimed at encouraging farmers to adopt irrigation farming on a larger scale. With less reliance on rain-fed agriculture, the government hopes to increase year-round food production, addressing hunger and ensuring food sufficiency across the country. The Farmers Association of the Middle Ogun Irrigation Project, led by its chairman, Alhaji Dauda Ademola, expressed appreciation for the government’s enhancement of irrigation infrastructure in the region.
Ademola commended the government’s dedication to the solarisation and grid connectivity initiatives, emphasising that these improvements will support the farmers dependent on the irrigation system. He additionally called on the government to accelerate the finishing of these initiatives and associated amenities, emphasising the necessity for prompt action to promote irrigation Agriculture in the region. Ademola’s request reflects the widespread feelings among local farmers, who eagerly anticipate realising these advancements. This initiative has been essential to the country’s strategy for agricultural growth for a long time. Its renewal is expected to revolutionise the area’s agricultural environment by increasing farmland and optimising water usage.
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Lastly, under the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, these actions fit into a broader movement aimed at diversifying the economy, enhancing food security, and generating employment opportunities. As the country’s population increases, ensuring Food Security is becoming a significant concern. Once the initiative is implemented, it aims to tackle this issue by granting farmers consistent access to water for irrigation, allowing for year-round crop production. Ultimately, this could lead to more stable food prices, enhance the quality of life in rural areas, and reduce the country’s dependence on imported food.