Stakeholders in the agricultural sector in Bauchi State have urged the state government to scale up investment in irrigation farming to boost food production.

They made the call during the 2023 Interactive Forum of World Food Day organised by a group, Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative on Wednesday in Bauchi. 

The exercise is organised with support of the Actionaid Nigeria. 

The stakeholders said irrigation activities could change the fortunes of peasant farmers, encourage productivity and enhance food security, hence the need to improve investment in the sub sector.

The FAWOYDI Executive Director, Mrs Dinatu Daniel, said that access to clean water is a fundamental human right, and plays a crucial role in ensuring food security.

According to Daniel, availability of clean water is essential for agricultural activities, food production and the overall wellbeing of the people.

She said that contaminated water sources caused waterborne diseases, malnutrition and other health complications affecting food security and overall human development.

Mrs Daniel added that enhancing access to clean water could improve sanitation and hygiene practices as well as reduce the risk of disease transmission and promote better nutrition.

“There is a need to seriously consider investing heavily in irrigation farming as it has the potential to boost the country’s food security that will translate into meaningful development. Irrigation allows for off-season cultivation thereby extending the production period.

“When combined with storage and preservation capacities, it can allow a community to provide off-season produce at distinctly more profitable prices,” she said.

Also, Coordinator, Smallholder Women Farmers of Nigeria Hajiya Marka Abass,, noted that women farmers represent about 80 per cent of agricultural production, and 60 per cent of agricultural processing activities in the country.

She added that the organisation advocated for the adoption of budget lines to fund implementation of the National Gender Policy by the state government.

In his speech, Principal Chemical Engineer, Bauchi State Urban Water Sewerage Corporation, Mr Isyaku Hashimu, warned residents against indiscriminate dumping of waste in water bodies and drains to avert water contamination. 

(NAN)