By Blessing Otobong-Gabriel
FCT Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone, SAPZ, project, under the FCT Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat, has taken a significant step towards promoting efficient water use and irrigation practices among farmers during the dry season.
Agricultural Productivity Officer, APO SAPZ, Haruna Umar said they had trained 30 farmers on efficient water use, irrigation and water-saving techniques, with the aim of enhancing agricultural productivity.
According to Umar, the project’s primary objective is to promote sustainable agricultural practices and efficient water use which is expected to have numerous benefits, including improved agricultural productivity, conservation of water resources, enhanced food security and increased income for farmers
Speaking, the Head of Engineering and Rural Infrastructure, FCT-ADP, Engr Ale Onitekun said some of the efficient water use and irrigation techniques that farmers might have learned during the training include drip irrigation and sprinkler systems, mulching and soil conservation methods, crop selection and rotation for optimal water use and precision irrigation and soil moisture monitoring
He stated that by empowering farmers with these techniques, SAPZ is helping to ensure a more sustainable and productive agricultural sector.
Narokka Musa of FCT-ADP highlighted the significance of training farmers, particularly youths on irrigation and dry season farming techniques.
“By adopting efficient irrigation methods, farmers can boost their crop yields and incomes, saying access to a stable food supply can improve nutrition and health outcomes for farmers and their communities,” he said
He noted that engaging youths in farming could reduce unemployment and provide a sense of purpose to the younger ones.
He urged the federal government to replicate this kind gesture in other communities.
