By Nneka Nwogwugwu
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved N24 billion for the execution of a smart irrigation project.
Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NASENI, Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna, who made this known on Friday, also said that the project will kick-start with a pilot scheme in Adamawa State.
He said, “It’s not for anything suspicion, but we have been asking for funding and more funding. Last week, the President approved N24 billion for smart irrigation system on request by NASENI and only 1% fro Federation Account was given to us. So, it was his thought that if our money was remitted, why asking for further funding.”
The NASENI boss said other areas of application of this fund include the development and domestications of technologies that NASENI has acquired from a partnering organisation in Italy, de Lorenzo, production of technical science laboratory equipment for primary school, secondary school and tertiary institutions.
He explained that the modular irrigation project would enhance agricultural development in the country, and enabling farmers to produce crops three times round the year.
Speaking the funding, he said, “The funding was for the modular irrigation system. We have acquired a 10-hectare farmland on lease in Adamawa State, using water from River Benue, where the pilot scheme is starting. It’s estimated that based on the technologies to be used, it is possible to have three multi-crop seasons in a year, commencing from October this year.
“Also, the money is for the pumps, structure, farming techniques, farmers, officers, offices that are needed; the vehicles and the administrative management throughout this demonstration farm, using modular irrigation system first model. First model in the sense that this one, we’re drawing water from River Benue, of course, solar powered.”
