Jigawa govt, Islamic Development Bank launch desert irrigation scheme

In an effort to control rural-urban migration and reduce abject poverty among the people, the Jigawa State Government, in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank, has embarked on a desert irrigation farming scheme in the Niger/Nigeria border local government areas of the state.

This was disclosed by the project coordinator, Alhaji Muhammad Imam, in an exclusive interview with Online Tribune in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital. He stated that the project is under the Jigawa Integrated Rural Development Project (JIRDeP), aimed at providing job opportunities, alleviating poverty, and achieving the national food security policy.

Alhaji Muhammad Imam, who is also the Managing Director of Jigawa Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (JARDA), explained: “The project is part of Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s 12-point agenda and falls under food security.”

According to him, 30 hectares have been designated as a pilot project in the desert areas of Maigatari, Birniwa, and Kafin Hausa local government areas, “engaging inhabitants of the area as part of measures to control rural-urban migration.”

He noted: “The idea of this project for dryland area irrigation was conceived over 50 years ago, precisely in 1975, by the then Kano State Government as a result of the devastating effects of the 1973–75 drought that hit most parts of Northern Nigeria.

“Unfortunately, very little has been done until 2023, when Governor Malam Umar Namadi, FCA, came into power. He took it upon himself to actualise this audacious dream, and by Allah’s grace and through His Excellency’s concerted efforts, we commissioned the Lallashi borehole-based irrigation scheme in the upland areas of Jigawa State.

“So far, the 10 hectares of the Lallashi irrigation scheme in Maigatari Local Government Area have taken off, as all the dry season products produced in the area, such as wheat, maize, watermelon, and tomatoes, are maturing and about to be harvested.”

Alhaji Imam maintained: “The project, which covers 10 hectares of land, is based on four industrial boreholes powered by solar energy using semi-conduit and drip irrigation techniques. Up to eighty smallholder farmers are currently directly involved in cultivating the 80 hectares. It is worthy of note that two other similar projects in Kafin Hausa and Birniwa Local Governments are currently ongoing and will soon be completed and commissioned as well.”

He emphasised that to further expand upland irrigation, the 2025 budget includes allocations for additional borehole-based irrigation projects in Gumel, Sule Tankarkar, and Gagarawa local governments.

“We have also made adequate budgetary provisions in the 2025 budget to scale up similar upland borehole-based irrigation projects in other non-fadama parts of the state, including Gumel, Sule Tankarkar, and Gagarawa Local Government Areas.”

He described the solar-powered borehole-based irrigation scheme as a testament to Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s commitment to transforming the lives of Jigawa’s teeming youth.

The Managing Director stated: “The project also stands as proof of the present administration’s vision and commitment to transforming agriculture, improving food security, and empowering our people.”

According to him, hundreds of people and their households are direct beneficiaries of the irrigation scheme, as they have already started harvesting their crops.

“This is a testament to how impactful and timely this intervention has been. At the inception of this project, many in the community expressed doubt. When they first heard that an irrigation scheme would be established in Maigatari Local Government, some believed it was impossible.

“But today, by the grace of Allah, what once seemed impossible has become a reality. This project is not just a success story; it is a symbol of hope, perseverance, and the power of visionary leadership. These achievements align seamlessly with the 12-point agenda of his administration, particularly in the areas of food security, job creation, and rural development,” he said.

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