Irrigation:JATA Begins Stakeholder Sensitization
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Jigawa Agricultural Transformation Agency (JATA) has commenced stakeholder sensitisation for the implementation of an irrigation expansion scheme designed to boost dry-season farming and improve agricultural productivity across the state.
As part of the commencement activities, a JATA team visited five selected irrigation locations across Ringim – Taura, Miga and Jahun Local Government Areas to sensitise farmers and other stakeholders on the programme and assess preparations for its implementation.
The locations visited include Ringim in Ringim Local Government Area, covering approximately 125 acres; Gujungu in Taura LGA, also covering 125 acres; Agufa in Miga LGA, covering 638 acres; while Harbo Tsohuwa and Gunka in Jahun LGA cover approximately 625 acres each.
The selected locations are expected to benefit from solar-powered irrigation systems, aimed at providing a reliable and sustainable source of water for irrigation farming and enabling farmers to increase production beyond the rainy season.
The sensitisation exercise brought together relevant stakeholders, including farmers, community representatives and government officials, to ensure effective community participation and ownership of the intervention.
Among those involved in the exercise were the Director General JATA Dr Saifullahi Umar who was represented by Director Delivery Dr Imam Isah Musa.
Others are Special Adviser on Irrigation and Crops, Malam Gambo Aliyu; Special Adviser on Cluster, Malam Muhammad Idris Danzomo; and Special Adviser on Community and Engagement, Hamza Muhammad Hadejia.
The initiative is expected to contribute to Jigawa State’s agricultural transformation efforts by expanding access to irrigation facilities, increasing opportunities for dry-season farming and strengthening food production and farmers’ livelihoods.
JATA said continued engagement with farmers and host communities would remain critical to the successful implementation and sustainability of the irrigation expansion scheme.