Tackling Food Prices: Farmers To Receive 15,000 Hectares Of Land For Cultivation

In a proactive move to combat soaring food prices and enhance food security in the nation, the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has announced a groundbreaking initiative. Under this initiative, farmers across the country will be allocated 15,000 hectares of fertile land for cultivation…..READ ALSO

The announcement was made by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Joseph Utsev, during the opening ceremony of the 30th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation. The theme of the meeting, “People, Planet, and Prosperity: Promoting Water Governance for National Food Security,” underscores the critical importance of water resources management in ensuring food security.

Engr Joseph Utsev highlighted the significance of irrigated agriculture in driving economic growth and ensuring food security in Nigeria. He emphasized that irrigated agricultural practices play a vital role in the nation’s economy, contributing significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) while also serving as a potent intervention to alleviate poverty and enhance food security.

The Minister revealed that several completed irrigation schemes, including the Hadejia Valley 5,750ha irrigation scheme in Jigawa State, the Kano River 14,444ha irrigation scheme in Kano State, and the Gari 2,114ha irrigation project in Kano and Jigawa States, have already been handed over to farmers for cultivation. Additionally, the Ministry is nearing completion on the development of irrigable areas totaling over 15,000 hectares, which will be allocated to farmers by the end of the third quarter of the year 2024.

Engr Joseph Utsev reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to achieving its target of developing 500,000 hectares of land by 2030, as part of the government’s agenda to promote sustainable food production and security.

This initiative represents a significant step forward in the government’s efforts to address food insecurity and high food prices. By providing farmers with access to fertile land for cultivation, the Ministry aims to boost agricultural productivity, increase food production, and ultimately ensure food security for all Nigerians.