By Ojo Jeremiah Oladipupo (Siwes student, Efon Poly)
Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, kickstarts the 2023/24 dry season farming in Benue State at Mbaku, Makurdi.
President Bola Tinubu’s directive aims for 500,000 hectares of irrigable land utilization by 2024, tapping into all 12 River Basins to align with the President’s hope agenda.
Utsev reveals plans for partial commercialization of basins, boosting food production and the national economy. Emphasizing the insufficient 1,500 hectares at the Lower Benue River Basin, he invites investors to explore the water sector’s opportunities, assuring preparedness to enhance agriculture.
The Minister advocates for farmer incentives, including water pumps, ensuring support through symbolic planting.
He promises better seedlings, technical aid, and acknowledges the government’s commitment to overcoming challenges for widespread food availability.
During the visit, Engr. Mohammed Addra praises the host community’s cooperation. The Minister inaugurates Soil and Geographic Information System laboratories, Lessel Dam, and empowers graduates.
He inspects the rice mill, Songhai Model Farm, and distributes water pumps and inputs to farmers, reinforcing the government’s dedication to agricultural prosperity.
