Bauchi govt set to boost agriculture with ‘Irrigate Nigeria’ project

The Bauchi State Government has officially launched the Irrigate Nigeria Project, a transformative initiative aimed at expanding all-season farming and enhancing food security. This project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes agricultural modernization, youth empowerment, and economic growth.

According to Governor Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, the project will ensure that 30,000 hectares of land in Udubo, Gamawa Local Government Area are cultivated annually through irrigation-based dry season farming. In addition, 50,000 hectares in Toro LGA have been allocated for various agricultural ventures, reinforcing the government’s commitment to large-scale farming and agribusiness development.

Public-Private Partnerships to Drive Agricultural Expansion
The Irrigate Nigeria Project is structured as a public-private partnership (PPP) initiative, engaging foreign investors to drive its sustainability and efficiency. The focus is on unlocking Nigeria’s vast arable land potential by promoting irrigation farming, ensuring that farmers can cultivate crops year-round, thereby boosting productivity and market competitiveness.

The official launch witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, including the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacheus Adedeji, and the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Infrastructure Engineering, Dr. Dahiru Mohammed.

The Bauchi State Government has assured farmers and stakeholders that the project will be sustained and expanded to attract wider participation across the state.
Source- Tribune

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The Irrigate Nigeria Project presents a significant opportunity for stakeholders across Nigeria’s agribusiness landscape. With a focus on irrigation-based agriculture, the initiative has major implications for food security, economic growth, and climate resilience.

1. Addressing Nigeria’s Food Security Challenges
   – The project’s focus on irrigation farming is a game-changer, as it reduces dependence on rain-fed agriculture, which is vulnerable to climate variability and seasonal droughts.
   – Cultivating 30,000 hectares of land annually will increase food supply, stabilize prices, and improve national food security.
   – Irrigated farming enables the production of high-value crops such as vegetables, rice, and wheat, which can improve export potential.
2. Unlocking Agribusiness Investment & Job Creation
   – The public-private partnership model ensures that the project is market-driven, attracting investors, agribusiness companies, and input suppliers.
   – Increased agribusiness investments will lead to the creation of jobs in farm operations, agro-processing, and logistics.
   – Empowering youths and women through commercial agriculture will reduce rural poverty and unemployment.
3. Enhancing Climate Resilience & Sustainable Farming Practices
   – Irrigation projects reduce the risk of crop failure due to unpredictable rainfall, making farming more resilient.
   – The use of water-efficient irrigation techniques can conserve water resources, ensuring sustainable agricultural expansion.
   – Proper land management on the allocated 50,000 hectares in Toro LGA is necessary to prevent soil degradation and maintain productivity.
4. Scaling Up Through Agritech & Innovation
   To maximize productivity, the project should integrate modern agricultural technologies, including:
   – Drip and sprinkler irrigation systems to optimize water use.
   – Soil moisture sensors to monitor and manage irrigation needs efficiently.
   – Smart farming solutions for precision agriculture and real-time monitoring.
   – Collaboration with agro-processing industries will enhance value addition and reduce post-harvest losses.

The Way Forward
To ensure the long-term success of the Irrigate Nigeria Project, stakeholders—including government agencies, financial institutions, and private investors—must:

1. Facilitate access to finance for farmers through soft loans and credit facilities.
2. Strengthen extension services to train farmers on best irrigation practices and climate-smart farming.
3. Develop storage and distribution networks to prevent food waste and connect farmers to profitable markets.
4. This project has the potential to transform Bauchi State into a major agricultural hub, setting a blueprint for sustainable irrigation farming across Nigeria.