The Federal government has handed over the rehabilitated water pumping station in Ifite Ogwari, Anambra state to the state government to boost rice.
During the event the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari who was represented by the National Programme Coordinator, Agricultural Transformation Agenda phase 1, Dr. Mohammed Arabi, called on farmers in the area to take ownership of the project to which is aimed at enhance rice production and ensure food security in the country .
The rehabilitation of the pumping station is yet another milestone in the effort of the federal government to transform agriculture in Nigeria from subsistence enterprise to modern , competitive and sustainable income generating sector.
The Minister disclosed that through the project, over 2,000 hectares of land would be available for all year round farming, bringing direct benefits to thousands of farmers and households in communities in the area.
He said that beyond food production, the scheme will drive rural industrialisation, creation of employment and youth empowerment while supporting agribusiness in processing, storage and marketing.
“For years, farmers depended largely on rain-fed agriculture, limiting productivity and exposing them to climate-related challenges. With this irrigation infrastructure fully restored, farmers can now engage in multiple planting cycles annually and improve yields and income,”
The Zonal Programme Coordinator, Agriculture Transformation Agenda Mr Roman’s Egba said that the pumping station is expected to provide steady irrigation water supply through a 40.1 kilometer lined concrete canal network serving extensive farmlands within Ayamelum local government area.
Mr Egba said the development will significantly improve dry season farming, encourage all season agricultural production, increase crop yields, and contribute to food security as well as increase the income of people in the area especially farmers .
“The pumping station is a critical component of the irrigation system serving the Ayamelum agricultural corridor. Its rehabilitation became necessary after years of deterioration that disrupted water supply and farming activities”
The Chairman , Anambra Imo River Basin Development Authority, Chief Emma Anosike who commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for donating a 500 KVA transformer to the facility, said capable engineers will be posted to the station to ensure its sustainability.
“We appreciate ATASP-1 for restoring this facility. AIRBDA will ensure efficient management and long-term sustainability of the infrastructure”
The Traditional ruler of Ifite Ogwari , Igwe Alphonsus Ofoebe expressed optimism that the rehabilitation will serve as a boost to agricultural production in the South East.
Radio Nigeria Correspondent Uche Ndeke reports that the water pumping station will serve the Omor irrigation scheme designed to unlock the immense agricultural potential of the Anambra – Imo River Basin.
COV/ NDEKE
