Food Security : Expert urges Bauchi govt. to invest in farmer-led irrigation scheme

By Ahmed Ahmed

An Agronomist, Dr Iliyasu Gital, has urged Bauchi state to commit to investing in farmer-led irrigation schemes to improve crop growth and quality as well as boost food security.

Gita made the call in an interview with Journalists on Friday in Bauchi, saying the need for the government to revamp irrigation schemes in the state so as to increase crop production.

According to him, small-scale farmers face significant challenges, including food and water insecurity, dependence on unpredictable rain, and increasing frequency of natural disasters.

He explained that farmer-led irrigation is based on building inclusive private sector supply chains.

“Boosting technological innovations, and increasing use of pumps and water application as well as establishment of Dams

“We need to combine our efforts with the private sector to bring technologies for farmer-led irrigation to smallholder farmers.

“By allowing farmers to grow crops on a consistent schedule, irrigation also creates more reliable food supplies,” Gital said.

He pointed out that farmer-led irrigation will fast-track access to irrigation services for farmers to enhance adaptation of their farming systems to climate change and climate variability.

“Therefore, the government needs to improve Irrigation facilities such as big and art dams, pumps, water bore, sprinklers, controllers, for the purpose of irrigating land with water,” He said.

Dr Gital who was the immediate past Special Adviser to Governor Bala Mohammed on Agriculture urges the youth to embrace farming as the white collar job is not forthcoming.

“Government should make farming attractive by providing all the necessary Technology to train the youth on all aspects of farming and how to use and maintain the machines.

The Expert advises farmers to engage in an irrigation system of farming no matter how small the land.