In a bid to bolster local farmers and provide sustainable livelihoods for returning Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Governor Zulum of Borno State has announced a determined effort to back agriculture in the Dikwa and Ngalahe Local Government Areas. The initiative entails cultivating 200 hectares of land under a rural irrigation project.
Governor Zulum made this commitment during a press briefing following the distribution of relief assistance to over 50,000 vulnerable families in Dikwa town over the weekend. He outlined the specifics of the project, stating, “We’ve designated 100 hectares for the irrigation scheme in Dikwa, 50 hectares in Gajibo, and another 50 hectares in Gamboru Ngala, summing up to approximately 200 hectares.”
This undertaking is a crucial part of Governor Zulum’s comprehensive agricultural development plan, with the primary objectives of modernizing farming practices, addressing the challenges posed by climate change, and enhancing the well-being of local residents, a significant number of whom rely on agriculture for their livelihoods.
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Governor Zulum emphasized that investing in the agricultural sector is instrumental in enabling local farmers to attain self-sufficiency while decreasing their dependence on food aid. He stressed, “Sustained distribution of relief aid is not a long-term solution. We need to focus on durable, sustainable options, and for us, that means channeling our resources into agriculture, especially in the realm of irrigation.”
Furthermore, he revealed his intention to invest in modern agriculture, leveraging the already available agricultural equipment procured by his predecessor. He proudly proclaimed, “Borno State possesses an exceptional array of agricultural equipment that is unmatched in Nigeria. With the grace of God, we will utilize this equipment to its fullest potential, and where there are gaps, we will make additional acquisitions.”
The irrigation project is set to incorporate contemporary techniques to optimize water utilization and minimize wastage, particularly in light of the impending challenges posed by climate change.
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