In line with the Federal Government's mandate on building sustainable irrigation farming in the country and to reduce cost of crop production , the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority is moving to provide solar-powered irrigation pumps to over 200 trained farmers. This initiative will in turn boost farming activities and reduce/put an end to the usage of petroleum products to power irrigation systems. According to some dry season farmers, they spend about 12,000 naira to purchase fuel to irrigate one hectare of farmland per day. This according to them, has drastically reduced the farm areas to be irrigated, thereby reducing food production. The solar water pump uses sunlight to generate energy and power a motor that draws water from tube wells, ponds or rivers for irrigation purposes. The solar system has an engine capacity of 1.5 horsepower(hp) with a maximum head of 15m and maximum flow 15m3/h and is being implemented in Ilala, Oke Oyi, Akerebiata, Egbejila, Giriyan and Ejiba all located in Kogi and Kwara States. The 3-inch pump is to provide a reliable water supply for irrigating 10-12 hectare-fields, especially during the dry season, and has the potential to reduce water wastage. This development will create new opportunities for farmers to increase the resilience of their crops. The ability to secure irrigation water during the dry season will help farmers to plant staple crops such as rice for a second season and other vegetables. The Managing Director of the Authority, Dr. Adeniyi Saheed Aremu asserted that when farmers take cost effective Irrigation systems into their own hands, they will be able to increase production. According to Dr Aremu, the Authority is working with the farmers to test a number of solar powered irrigation pumps and also sensitize farmers on how to improve agricultural production, water use efficiency, water productivity as well as the sustainability of these systems. Dr. Aremu added that this major development will enable the cost of crop production to reduce drastically and will also boost agricultural production in Kwara and Kogi states.

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.