World Food Day: Dry Season Planting Set To Resume In Anambra, Enugu Areas
By Sam Udekwe
The Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme Phase-One, (ATASP-1) has applauded the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for the rehabilitation of moribund irrigational facilities for dry season farming in Anambra and Enugu States.
The Zonal Programme Coordinator of ATASP-1 Adani-Omor Zone, Dr Romanus Egba, disclosed this in a message to felicitate farmers across Anambra and Enugu States, Federal Government and AfDB in commemoration of the 2024 edition of World Food Day with the theme: “Water is Life, Water is Food: Leave No One Behind.”
Egba also commended
governments of Enugu and Anambra States, profiled farmers in both states and other value chain actors for efforts leading to success of ATASP-1 in the South-East.
He noted that as people and governments reflect on the significance of this global event, all should be reminded that “food security is not only about increasing production, but also ensuring equitable access to water and resources.”
According to him, for farmers, access to water remains a crucial factor in enhancing productivity and improving livelihoods.
“This is why under ATASP-1, Federal Government through the AfDB has invested billions of dollars into rehabilitation of Adarice Irrigation Project and the Lower Anambra Irrigation Project (LAIP) to support dry season farming.
“ATASP-1 is happy to announce that the Concrete Lining of 22.45km Main Canal, First Secondary Canal and Rehabilitation of Various Hydraulic Structures of Adarice Irrigation System at Adani, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State is completed.
“All is now set for commencement of dry season rice farming in the area.
“Similar breakthrough is expected for the Concrete Lining of 40.1km West Main Canal, Headrace Canal, East Main Canal and Rehabilitation of Various Hydraulic Structures at the Lower Anambra Irrigation Project (LAIP), Omor in Ayamelum LGA, Anambra State.
“Already, the rehabilitation of LAIP Pumping Station at Ifite-Ogwari station, Ayamelum LGA in Anambra State, has reached advance stage with final testing being awaited,” he said.
The Zonal Programme Coordinator explained that when these projects come on stream; rice farmers in Adani and Omor axis would begin to engage in extensive dry season farming, food productivity would triple, which will lead to income generation with attendant improved lifestyle.
Egba further informed that ATASP-1 would intensify its efforts to prepare farmers for delivery of sustainable success stories before the programme exit.
