Heifer International Nigeria, on Thursday inaugurated 160 solar-powered water pumping machines in Lafia to support smallholder farmers and boost irrigation in the state.
Heifer International (also known as Heifer Project International) is a global nonprofit organisation, working to eradicate poverty and hunger through sustainable, values-based holistic community development.
Dr Lekan Tobe, Country Director of Heifer International Nigeria, who spoke at the event, said that the provision of the pumping machines was to empower smallholder farmers and encourage them to adopt irrigation practices.
According to the country director, the initiative is prompted by the high cost of fuel, which led many smallholder farmers to abandon irrigation.
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“A lot of farmers usually rely on fuel-powered water pumps, but with the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government in 2024, fuel has become unaffordable for smallholder farmers.
“The solar-powered pump offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution to this challenge and will help increase productivity,” he said.
Tobe said that 160 smallholder farmers would benefit from the pilot project in Nasarawa State.
He further said that the pilot project would also enable farmers test the effectiveness and efficiency of the technology.
In his remarks, Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State appreciated the organisation for aligning with his administration’s quest to promote agriculture and ensure food security in the state.
The governor represented by Umar Abdullahi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, expressed optimism that the technology would increase the income of farmers, increase production and reduce high cost of food.
He reiterated the administration’s willingness to partner any organisation interested in promoting agriculture for the overall development of the state.
Also speaking, the Managing Director, Nasarawa Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA), Ibrahim Abdullahi, represented by Fatima Zakari, said the deployment of solar-powered pumping machines would promote dry-season farming.
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The NASIDA boss added that it would also promote sustained agricultural practice and ensure food security.
He encouraged farmers to embrace the technology as it would reduce cost of production by more than 50 per cent, given the fact that the power source – the sun, is free.
He applauded Heifer International for the initiative to empower rural farmers and communities in the state and urged other organisations to emulate them.
