FG Partners IWMI to Boost Agricultural Production

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FG Partners IWMI to Boost Agricultural Production

FG Plans To PartnerInternational Water Management Institute

The Federal Government has declared its plans to partner the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) to boost agricultural production during flooding periods and dry seasons.

The partnership, which will come in two phases, is expected to focus on creating an evidence-based framework on assessing flood patterns for decision making purpose at the first phase.

While the second phase will focus on agricultural water management solutions which will be explored to support and improve dry season farming in Nigeria.

The Director Africa, International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Dr Olalekan Williams, explained that the goal of the IWMI project in Nigeria was to assist the government to increase agricultural productivity and achieve food security through sustainable water management.

He also explained that the project would allow smallholder farmers to profitably engage in flood-recession and dry season agriculture.Williams added that the three-year project would establish fact-based evidence on historical and current flooding patterns and risks as a guide to decision making on flood responses.

The project would also improve and enhance dry season farming through integrated agricultural water management solutions, helping to increase the country's agricultural output and food security.

The project, which would be implemented in Anambra, Benue and Kogi states, would reduce the risk posed by flooding through accurate forecasting system and mitigation plans.

Also, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, said: "Through the concerted efforts of my ministry and the International Water Management Institute, we will utilise agricultural water management solutions to improve food security through greater knowledge of our water resources and management and improve crop planning and scale up cropping intensity."

Adesina also said the project would enhance rural livelihood through the expansion of dry season and flood recession farming. He stressed that the Federal Government would ensure that farmers profitably participate in food crop value chains and improve their resilience to climate change.

Source: Tribune

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