FG Launches 2023 Dry Season Farming

By Georgina Humphrey

In line with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to address food insecurity in Nigeria, the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has launched the 2023 Dry Season Irrigated Farming initiative through the Benin Owena River Basin Development Authority.

The Minister, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, made this known during his visit to the River Basin Development Authority in Benin City.

He explained that the ongoing assessment tour of Agencies and projects under the Ministry is part of efforts to fulfill the President’s directive to cultivate 500,000 hectares of land for increased food production in the Nation.

Prof. Utsev urged all the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) in the Country to commence the 2023 Dry Season Farming through irrigation and also urged States and Communities to make land available for agricultural purposes in support of this crucial initiative.

The Water and Sanitation Minister also stated that the newly inaugurated farm road during the familiarization tour, will enhance connectivity between the government and the people by enabling seamless transportation of both people and goods.

Prof. Utsev also used the event to unveil the 2021/2022 Hydrological Year Books and Highlighted the importance of their roles in planning, designing, and constructing water resources projects and infrastructure.

He further informed that the books will be beneficial to policy makers, researchers and other Water Resources Stakeholders for infrastructural development and environmental sustainability.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of the Benin Owena River Basin Development Authority, Ahmed Saliu, explained that the River Basin has remained active and responsive to the Communities through the provision of numerous Projects like Dams, Irrigation Schemes, Water Schemes, irrigated farms(Songhai Model), youth training and empowerment programmes as well as roads and rural infrastructure development.

He further stated that the Benin Owena River Basin Development Authority is at the forefront of setting up a network of Hydro- meteorological stations in all strategic locations within the catchment States of the River Basin.

He stressed that the Hydrological and meteorological year books will serve consultants and all professionals who rely on hydro-met data.

On her part, the Executive Director of the agricultural Services of the River Basin, Mrs. Mary Nwabuno Ononuju, emphasized the Authority’s commitment to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food security Agenda by embarking on dry season irrigated farming that will ensure more production and crop diversification.

Highlight of the ceremony was the planting of seedlings by the Minister, the Managing Director of the River Basin Development Authority, the Director River Basin Operations and Inspectorate and the Enogie of Oghobaghase, Ileruwa Akenzua.

Edited By Grace Namiji