A Nigerian-based company has launched 160 Solar-Powered Irrigation pumps for farmers for sustainable Irrigation solution in Nasarawa state.
The Country Director Heifer International Nigeria, Dr Leken Tobe, disclosed this at the launching of the solar powered pumps on Thursday in Lafia.
He explained that the initiative was a finance leasing project, and so far 160 small holder farmers were empowered as pilot phase in Nasarawa state.
Though no exact subsidised rate was mentioned, “Heifer will provide lease financing for farmers to acquire solar-powered irrigation pumps, which are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
“The project aims to empower small holder farmers in the state by providing access to Solar-Powered Irrigation pumps-a technology that holds immense promise to increasing agricultural productivity and building resilience to the impacts of climate change.”
He added that the project will also offer training on the use and maintenance of the pumps, facilitate market linkages for farmers to sell their produce, and provide a complete, portable, and easy-to-use irrigation kit to overcome the limitations of existing solar pump irrigation systems.
Speaking, Umar Abubakar, permanent Secretary Nasarawa state ministry of Agriculture and water resources who represented Governor Abdullahi Sule, said government had resolved to ensure that Nasarawa citizens have abundance of food all year round.
He said Nasarawa state government has placed food security and abundance as a priority which motivated it to meet up with all requirements.