Jigawa launches borehole-based irrigation scheme

The Jigawa State government, in an attempt to encourage irrigation activities as well as to harness food security and improve livelihoods, has commissioned the Lallashi borehole-based irrigation scheme in Maigatari Local Government Area of the state. It was reliably gathered that the project was conceived to transform dry-season farming and other farming activities in the […]

The Jigawa State government, in an attempt to encourage irrigation activities as well as to harness food security and improve livelihoods, has commissioned the Lallashi borehole-based irrigation scheme in Maigatari Local Government Area of the state.

It was reliably gathered that the project was conceived to transform dry-season farming and other farming activities in the areas that are usually deserts in nature. The scheme is said to be powered by solar energy and utilizing semi-conduit as well as drip irrigation techniques for effective irrigation purposes.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Governor Umar Namadi highlighted the importance of the project, describing it as a clear demonstration of the commitment of his administration towards achieving food security, providing sustainable means of livelihood, and reducing poverty among the people.

He also revealed that the key priority of his administration’s 12-Point Agenda is the full exploitation of Jigawa’s agricultural potential through year-round farming activities, adding that his administration is taking deliberate steps to rehabilitate and expand irrigation facilities across the state, including dams and borehole-based irrigation schemes.

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“Most of us here can recall that one of our major declarations in the agricultural sector, as reflected in the 12-Point Agenda, is to fully exploit the state’s agricultural potential through all-year-round production by bringing more of our rich agricultural lands under cultivation,” he said.

It was however, gathered that the Lallashi irrigation scheme covers 10 hectares of farmland and is supported by four industrial boreholes, and so far, over 80 smallholder farmers are directly benefiting from the initiative, which is expected to boost crop yields significantly and provide economic opportunities.

Speaking on behalf of the farmers in the area, Malam Aliyu Musa stated that what the government is doing for communities around the borehole-based irrigation site is a lifetime investment that one cannot quantify. According to him, people will continue to pray for the success of the scheme as well as the expansion of the scheme to cover more areas within the state.

“Initially, people in this area were done with farming once the wet season is over, but the story is changing now, which means no more leaving the village to the city. The city will soon be coming to us, as we begin exploring this golden opportunity to rise as communities with irrigation facilities,” he said.