Nigeria can boost food production via improved Irrigation Systems- Utsev

The Nigerian government is making efforts to improve irrigation systems in order to boost food production, according to the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.

This was announced by Oyeronke Oluniyi, the Director of Immigration and Drainage at the Ministry, during a national workshop on irrigation and drainage practices.

The workshop, which is being held in Kano State, is focused on the role of irrigation and drainage practices in ensuring food security in Nigeria. The government hopes that by improving irrigation systems, it will be able to increase food production and help to meet the country’s growing demand for food.

Oluniyi further emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to increasing food production and ensuring adequate water supply, in line with President Tinubu’s food security mandate and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

This commitment is being supported by the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, which is responsible for ensuring sufficient water supply for households, industries, and agriculture across the country.

Oluniyi highlighted the importance of irrigation systems in increasing food production, especially in light of the growing population and increasing demand for food.

He stressed the importance of moving away from traditional methods of farming and irrigation that rely on rainfall and are not sustainable. Instead, he called for the adoption of a more efficient and regulated approach to managing land and water resources, including irrigation, drainage, and flood control.

This shift is essential for addressing the challenges of land degradation, deforestation, a growing population, and socio-economic development. It is also vital for adapting to climate change and ensuring the long-term sustainability of water resources.

On behalf of the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, Oluniyi highlighted the importance of the water sector to the government’s development agenda. This agenda prioritizes the water sector as a means of reducing poverty, integrating model farm development, creating jobs, and protecting the environment. Oluniyi emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring that the country’s water resources are utilized in a sustainable and responsible manner. He stressed the need for effective collaboration and coordination between all stakeholders to achieve the country’s development goals.