Food Security: FG To Enhance Irrigation Farming

By Georgina Humphrey

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has unveiled three new Strategic Initiatives aimed at enhancing irrigation development and boosting food production in the country.

He made this known during a 2-day familiarization tour of the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority in Markurdi, the Benue State capital.

Prof. Utsev emphasized that the proposed measures are geared towards cultivating more irrigable lands, aggressively combating hunger, alleviating poverty, and propelling economic growth.

The Minister also added that the inauguration of the three new Programmes under his administration which include, the Water for Expanded Irrigated Agriculture Programme (WEIRPRO) Partnership for Expanded Irrigation Programme ( PEIRPRO), and River Basin Strategy for Poverty Alleviation (RB-SPA) aimed to revolutionize Nigeria’s irrigated agricultural landscape, boost food security, create jobs and enhance economic growth.

He noted that the Ministry is strategically committed to innovative Water Resources Management which aims to promote Integrated Water Resources Management and environmental sustainability and cultivate partnerships with State Governments and communities to enhance agricultural productivity.

Others are transitioning from traditional methods to a more scientific approach that guarantees all-year-round farming, more frequent cropping cycles and higher crop yields.

He emphasized the adoption of advanced farming techniques to alleviate the workload on farmers and highlighted the importance of community engagement to optimize land use.

Prof. Utsev who stressed the significance of training and capacity building, underlining the necessity for a robust tracking system for monitoring and evaluation emphasized the principles of accountability, performance with tangible outcomes, rewards and consequence management.

The Minister directed the twelve River Basin Development Authorities, the Department of River Basin Operations and Inspectorate and the Departments of Dams and Irrigation to formulate a comprehensive framework and strategies for implementing the three new programmes.

He noted that the initiative will be overseen by the Permanent Secretary and emphasized the integration of the Presidential focus areas into the Ministry’s policies and programmes.

Meanwhile, during the tour, the Minister visited the Tor Tiv, Prof James Iorza Ayatse, to receive Royal Blessings and inform him of the Federal Government’s Intervention Projects and Programmes which includes Water Supply, Dams, Irrigation, Sanitation, Flood and Erosion Control Projects in the Catchment Areas of Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, and Kogi East Senatorial District, under the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority.

Speaking about the Open Defecation-Free: Use the Toilet Campaign of the Federal Government, the Minister underscored the crucial supportive role of the Traditional Rulers and sought the assistance of the Tor Tiv in spreading the message to his subjects for a healthier environment and promotion of healthy living.

In response, the Tor Tiv assured the Minister of guidance and commended the Minister’s courage, while decorating him with the complete regalia of a distinguished Son of Tiv land.

Edited By Grace Namiji