Nigerian Government Rehabilitates Ada Rice Irrigation to Boost Food Production

The Federal Government has emphasized the significance of access to water in improving productivity and livelihoods nationwide, leading to the initiation of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program (ATASP) Phase 1. In collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), significant investments have been made into the rehabilitation of the Ada Rice Irrigation Project and the Lower Anambra Irrigation Project to support dry season farming.

During the World Food Day celebration in Awka, Anambra State, Dr. Romanus Egba, the Zonal Programme Coordinator of ATASP-1 for the Adani-Omor Zone, revealed the completion of the concrete lining of the Ada Rice Irrigation System in Enugu State and the ongoing rehabilitation of the Lower Anambra Irrigation Project in Anambra State. These developments are set to triple food productivity and income generation for rice farmers in the area.

As the projects near completion, Egba emphasized the importance of government initiatives, international partnerships, and stakeholder support in enhancing irrigation systems, improving infrastructure, and promoting water conservation techniques. He urged states, local governments, and the private sector to support farmers through policies and investments that enable sustainable farming practices and ensure the future of agriculture in Nigeria.

On this year’s World Food Day, the focus on sustainable water management in agriculture highlights the critical role of Nigerian farmers in addressing challenges posed by climate change, water scarcity, and environmental fluctuations. Egba commended the resilience and innovation of farmers in safeguarding the nation’s food systems, underscoring the importance of sustainable farming practices in ensuring food security and socio-economic development in Nigeria.