AWDROP partners Agric Ministry on ARUWASSI initiative to provide water for rural dwellers

MEMBERS of the national executive of Association of Water Well Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP) and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono, have sealed an agreement to assist in providing adequate water supply for rural farmers through a programme tagged Agro-Rural Water Supply Support Initiative (ARUWASSI).

Speaking during the meeting with the minister, the national president of AWDROP,  Michael Ale, commended the Federal Government through the ministry for their involvement in underground water exploration, when their main mandate is to grow agricultural products for the country.

According to him, “this is necessary because agriculture takes 70 per cent of our fresh water out of which over 80 per cent of the fresh water is from the groundwater”.

He added that “Major subsistence and commercial agricultural practices take place in the rural area which makes rural development key in sustainable agricultural practices. There can’t be sustained agriculture production without groundwater.

“We are aware of the effect of climate change on our world, which has resulted in many vices and research on climate friendly agricultural practices. Whichever way we may decide, groundwater is key in sustainable agricultural practices, especially in Africa where it takes years to adapt to new innovation and technology and we are critics to change within the ecosystem.

“Nigerian farmers still find it difficult to practise all seasons farming, which makes some product out of reach during the dry season, whereas all fruits, grains, vegetables, tubers or fibres are produced all seasons in the developed world. This effect has been made possible through the effective management of groundwater, especially in the developed world.

“AWDROP has great expertise and potential in the development and management of this great resource and is excited with the current partnership with the FMARD though the ARUWASSI programme.

“This programme has gained traction in the international groundwater fora and has received so much attention. One of such is the presentation which will be made in Uganda during the Africa Water Week by Africa Water Association,” Ale said.

Ale extended his appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for deeming it fit to have a separate budgetary allocation line for the support to master drillers after the association’s pleas for support.

He also commended the National Assembly for their well thought out decision to approve it, saying the borehole drillers’ desire is to make it a win-win partnership deal between the players.

In his welcome address, the minister, Nanono appreciated the visit by the national executive of AWDROP and promised to hold them responsible for the management of the drilling rigs.

He also reiterated on the need to integrate the ARUWASSI rural water program with state governments to enhance better partnership and collaboration.