Nigerian Government Empowers Ondo State Farmers with Solar Facilities

The Rural Electrification Agency of the Federal Ministry of Power has presented solar-powered irrigation water pumping equipment to over 200 farmers across Ondo State in a bid to boost food production.

The development was made known on Tuesday in a statement by the Communication Officer of Fadama III in the state, Mr Funmilayo Ikueduranmi.

According to the statement, the equipment was presented to the beneficiaries as part of the 2022 World Food Day celebration.

In an address by the representative of Rural Electrification Agency, Mr. Peter Okopi while presenting the equipment to the farmers said that the gesture was to empower the farmers for the purpose of food production.

He added that the agency conducted desktop and pre-site surveys to identify viable irrigation sites for the provision of decentralized solar pumps and centralized mini grids.

He said, “Some of the site’s selection criteria included communities with Fadama Users’ Groups with all year round crop production, surface water scheme and sites that require upgrade in electrification infrastructure.”

On his part, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Mr Olayato Aribo, stressed the need for farmers to adopt the irrigation system of farming in view of the unpredictable climatic condition.

Represented by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Edward Ogunmola, the commissioner advised the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the renewable energy in order to reduce cost of production.

Speaking at the event, the Project Coordinator of FADAMA III in Ondo State, Mr Olusiji Olatunji, revealed that 20 solar-powered irrigation and eight solar-powered electrification facilities were released to the state Fadama Office for free distribution to Fadama Users’ Groups in the state.

In his words: “with the solar pumping equipment, the cost of buying and fueling mechanical pumping machines would be eliminated.” Olatunji urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the facilities so as to encourage other farmers to adopt the renewable energy sources in carrying out agricultural activities in the state.

Agro Nigeria