The Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase One, ATASP-1, Adani-Omor Zone has called on states and local governments plus organized private sector to support farmers through policies, investments, and innovations that enhance productivity, conserve natural resources, and create an environment for Nigerian farmers to thrive.
The Zonal Program Coordinator, Dr. Romanus Egba, in a statement inAwka, argued that the success of Nigerian agriculture is not only key to national food security but to broader economic and social development.
He reassured the group’s commitment to preparing farmers for delivery of sustainable success stories before the program exits, stressing the need for government initiatives, with the support of international partners and stakeholders.
These supports he said, should focus on providing adequate irrigation systems, improving infrastructure, and promoting water conservation techniques to secure Nigerian agriculture’s future.
Egba described the theme of this year’s World Food Day, “Water is Life, Water is Food: Leave No One Behind,” as well-captioned, to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of our hard-working, innovative-minded farmers, who are playing a pivotal role in ensuring food security, economic stability, and sustainable development across the country.
Describing Agriculture as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, employing millions of citizens and accounting for a significant portion of our GDP, Egba said; “As ATASP-1 winds down, we are encouraged by the success stories from our farmers, processors and other value chain actors, who have made a quantum leap in the transition from small-scale producers to large agribusinesses.
“This year’s World Food Day theme underscores the critical importance of sustainable water management in agriculture, particularly as Nigeria faces increasing challenges from climate change, water scarcity, and fluctuating environmental conditions.
“Nigerian farmers stand on the frontlines of these challenges, demonstrating remarkable resilience and innovation in safeguarding our food systems while adopting more sustainable farming practices.
“As we reflect on the significance of this global event, we are reminded that food security is not only about increasing production but ensuring equitable access to water and resources. For our farmers, access to water remains a crucial factor in enhancing productivity and improving livelihoods.
“This is why under ATASP-1, the federal government, through the AfDB has invested billions of dollars into the rehabilitation of Ada Rice Irrigation Project and the Lower Anambra Irrigation Project to support dry season farming.”
The ATASP-1 boss announced that the Concrete Lining of 22.45 45km Main Canal, First Secondary Canal & Rehabilitation of Various Hydraulic Structures of Ada Rice Irrigation System at Adani, Uzo-Uwani LGA of Enugu State is completed, while all is set for commencement of dry season rice farming in the area.
He revealed that a similar breakthrough is expected for the Concrete Lining of 40.1km West Main Canal, Headrace Canal, East Main Canal & Rehabilitation of Various Hydraulic Structures at the Lower Anambra Irrigation Project, Omor in Ayamelum LGA, Anambra State.
“Already, the rehabilitation of LAIP Pumping Station at Ifite-Ogwari station, Ayamelum LGA, Anambra has reached an advanced stage with final testing being awaited. By the time, these projects come on stream and rice farmers in Adani and Omor axis begin to engage in dry season farming, food productivity will triple, and income generation with an attendant improved lifestyle for our farmers.
“While ATASP-1 will intensify its efforts to prepare our farmers for delivery of sustainable success stories before the program exits, we must reiterate that government initiatives, along with the support of international partners and stakeholders, must continue to focus on providing adequate irrigation systems, improving infrastructure, and promoting water conservation techniques to secure the future of Nigerian agriculture.
“As we commemorate World Food Day, we implore our states and local governments plus organized private sector to join our collective commitment to supporting our farmers through policies, investments, and innovations that enhance productivity, conserve natural resources, and create an environment where every Nigerian farmer can thrive. Nigerian agriculture’s success is key to our national food security and our broader economic and social development,” he said.
