Lower Niger RBDA Pledges Support to RIFAN on Irrigation Farming and Other Extension Services.

The Managing Director, Lower Nigeria River Basin Development Authority, Dr. Adeniyi Saheed Aremu FNSE FNIEE, has assured the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) , Kwara State Chapter of its readiness and unwavering support to boost rice farming, especially in the area of allocating irrigable land and provision of cost effective irrigation facilities. This was disclosed during a courtesy visit by some members of RIFAN to the Authority.

The Acting State Coordinator of RIFAN, Mal. Mohammed Salihu alongside the BOT Chairman; Dr. Olaitan S. Balogun formally sought the support of the Authority on Extension Services available in assisting the Rice Farmers Association on possible solutions to widen the coverage of rice production during the dry season in Kwara State.

Mal. Salihu noted that low agricultural productivity in Nigeria continues to be a major concern. Hence, there is the need to encourage and improve dry season farming. He sought for the support of LNRBDA. The Managing Director of LNRBDA who was delighted with the achievements of RIFAN over the years, applauded their efforts in executing massive rice production, one of which was evident in their contribution to the rice pyramid last year. He made it known that LNRBDA is working on allocating more accessible lands and dams for irrigation activities

Dr. Aremu, in his address to the farmers, assured them that their plights would be looked into with the provision of cost effective irrigation facilities/services to encourage them. He added that the Authority will provide them with solar powered pumps to serve as an alternative energy source. He said that this development is in line with the Authority’s mandate on irrigation agricultural development in the Country.