By Abdullahi Lukman
The federal government has cleared 3,000 hectares of land for dry season farming under the Makurdi Irrigation Project in Benue State.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Joseph Utsev, said the total compromise 1,200 hectares for irrigation, while the remaining 1,800 hectares is set aside for the World Bank’s Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project.
Speaking during the inspection of the project, the minister highlighted the ministry’s commitment to transforming irrigation and dry-season farming in the middle belt region.
He said the government has also awarded contracts to construct irrigation channels, install drip irrigation systems, and expand existing irrigation farms.
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Utsev also disclosed that the government is upscaling efforts to activate hydropower components in dams nationwide to improve energy supply and support agricultural activities.
He also provided an update on the Otukpo multipurpose water dam, which is expected to be completed this year.
Representatives from the project’s contractors, including Mr. Orje Torher, assured that the projects would be completed according to specifications and on schedule.
Christopher Senegh, a representative from the host community of Mbaku, expressed appreciation for the government’s efforts but requested additional resources such as tractors for farmers and better security measures in the area.
As part of the inspection, Engr. Utsev also inaugurated the 1.2-kilometer Ugondo Community Access Road in Makurdi, which is expected to significantly improve farmers’ access to their farmlands, further enhancing agricultural productivity in the region.
The Acting Managing Director of the Lower Benue River Basin Authority, Aondohemba Udu, praised the federal government’s ongoing support for the Makurdi Irrigation Project, emphasizing the vital role of the initiative in enhancing food production and agricultural productivity.
