Utsav, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Launches Dry Season Farming, Calls for Investment in Nigeria’s Water Sector

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, launched the 2023/24 dry season farming in Benue State, aiming for 500,000 hectares of irrigable land utilization by 2024 as per President Bola Tinubu’s directive.

Utsav highlighted plans to fully utilize the 12 River Basins, aligning with the president’s agenda. These basins are being partially commercialized to enhance food production and the economy.

However, the 1,500-hectare land at the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority in Makurdi wouldn’t suffice for the 2024 irrigation farming. The ministry seeks investors in the water sector and promises incentives like water pumps for farmers.

Additionally, the government plans to provide improved technical support to seedlings, inaugurate laboratories, and empower graduates in the agricultural sector.