Jigawa Govt partners AFDB to develop irrigation scheme

The Jigawa Government says it will partner with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to upgrade the Hadejia Valley project, to encourage irrigation activities.

Gov. Badaru Abubakar said this on Tuesday in Hadejia at a civic reception organised by a youth group, Badaru Youth Progressive Association.

Abubakar said that the state government and the bank would sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the project.

He said that under the agreement, additional hectares of farmlands, channels and tube wells would be provided to expand the scope of the project.

“We have reached progressing stage in talks with AfDB. We will clear blocked channels, construct new ones and open up more lands to farmers.

“This is to provide lands for cultivation and enhance effective utilisation of water and agricultural resources,” he said.

Abubakar added that his administration had adopted proactive measures to enhance farmer-support services, to encourage agricultural processing, add value to the produce and farmer enterprising skills.
The governor commended the community leaders for sensitising and mobilising their people toward their participating in agriculture, adding that the trend would encourage food production and enhance wealth creation in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Hadejia valley project was initiated by the Shehu Shagari’s administration to encourage irrigation activities, enhance fishery and water supply to communities.
However, only 5, 000 out of the projected 25, 000 hectares of farmlands were developed under the project in the last 30 years and 3, 000 hectares of lands cultivated by farmers.