The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has unveiled three new strategic initiatives aimed to enhance irrigation development, boost food production and address challenges identified during the assessment tour of the twelve River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) by the Minister.
He expressed his determination to introduce fresh perspectives through the infusion of innovative measures into some of the flagship projects and programmes of the RBDAs.
Utsev made this declaration during his recent 2-day familiarization tour of the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, in Markurdi, Benue State.
The minister stressed that the proposed measures are geared towards cultivating more irrigable lands, aggressively combating hunger, alleviating poverty, and propelling economic growth.
Prof. Utsev also disclosed that the inauguration of the three new programmes under his administration which include, Water for Expanded Irrigated Agriculture Programme (WEIRPRO), Partnership for Expanded Irrigation Programme (PEIRPRO), and River Basin Strategy for Poverty Alleviation (RB-SPA) aimed at revolutionizing Nigeria’s irrigated agricultural landscape, boost food security, create jobs and enhance economic growth.
He noted that the ministry is strategically committed to innovative water resources management which aims to promote integrated water resources management and environmental sustainability, cultivate partnerships with state governments and communities to enhance agricultural productivity, transitioning from traditional methods to a more scientific approach that guarantees all year round farming, more frequent cropping cycles and higher crop yields.
He emphasised the adoption of advanced farming techniques to alleviate the workload on farmers and highlighted the importance of community engagement to optimize land use.
He stressed the significance of training and capacity building, underlining the necessity for a robust tracking system for monitoring and evaluation.
Prof Utsev directed the twelve River Basin Development Authorities, the Department of River Basin Operations and Inspectorate and the Departments of Dams and Irrigation to formulate a comprehensive framework and strategies for implementing the three new programmes.
He noted that the initiative will be overseen by the Permanent Secretary harping on the need for integration of the presidential focus areas into the ministry’s policies and programmes.
