Some farmers have expressed doubts about the Federal Government’s promised dry season farming intervention.
Despite government assurances to boost food security and transition from rainfed to year-round agriculture, farmers argue that the initiatives have been selectively implemented and poorly executed.
To combat food insecurity, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security proposed implementing mechanized farming and irrigation systems.
In September, the government reaffirmed its commitment to completing the decades-old Middle Ogun Irrigation Project in Iseyin Local Government Area, Oyo State, which is designed to boost agricultural productivity.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsve, during a site assessment, stated that the project would enhance food production, create jobs, and strengthen the economy.
He noted the shift from diesel-powered irrigation systems to a hybrid of solar energy and the national grid, noting that the grid connection was 95% complete, while solar installation was approaching 80%.
“The completion of the Middle Ogun Irrigation Project will create approximately 8,000 direct jobs for women and youth, with millions more generated indirectly. This initiative will ensure maximum food production for Nigerians,” Utsve said.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, also expressed his commitment to supporting dry-season farming during an October visit to farm clusters in Bwari Area Council, Abuja.
Abdullahi unveiled plans to launch irrigation farming in November, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the National Agricultural Growth Scheme’s agro-pocket program.
The government also announced a $134 million loan from the African Development Bank to boost seed and grain production.
However, many farmers remain skeptical. Kaduna-based farmer La’ah Dauda criticized the interventions as “highly selective,” stating that they mainly benefit individuals with connections.
“Even the information is limited. They create awareness only in areas they favour. How will you attract new farmers if others are excluded?” he asked.
In the Federal Capital Territory, the Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Ifraimu Dauda, pointed out that irrigation farming remains costly and limited.
“We rely on neighbouring villages near Kaduna State for irrigation farming,” he said, calling for more government investment in irrigation infrastructure.
An agricultural economist at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Tobi Awolope pointed out the structural challenges within Nigeria’s agricultural system.
She cautioned that over-reliance on rainfed agriculture, coupled with recent droughts, has worsened food insecurity, resulting in higher prices and reduced availability.
“The farming system in Nigeria needs to move beyond seasonal crops. Proper irrigation would allow farmers to grow crops year-round, ensuring stable prices and greater accessibility,” Awolope said.
She noted that small-scale farmers lack the capital to adopt such systems and urged the government to prioritize irrigation infrastructure.
Awolope also cautioned against food hoarding, which disrupts supply chains and drives up prices.
