FG, EGTA, collaborate to boost food production
Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation Bello Goronyo says the Federal Government is in collaboration with EGTA Investment Ltd., a Nigerian company, to boost food production.
He said this in Abuja when he received the outgoing Egyptian Defence Attaché, Staff Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Ibrahim, the incoming Egyptian Defence Attaché, Staff Col. Muhammad Ibrahim.
Goronyo also met with the Group Managing Director of EGTA Investment Ltd., Dr Bashir Ibrahim, among others, in his office.
The minister said that the collaboration would bolster food production in the country through irrigated agriculture and dam facilities across the nation.
“Discussions centered around collaborative initiatives aimed at advancing President Bola Tinubu’s food security agenda through enhanced irrigation and dam infrastructure,” he said.
Goronyo also emphasised the significant opportunities within the irrigated value chain to boost food production, foster job creation and stimulate economic growth.
He advised that the memorandum of understanding being developed for the collaboration should be vetted by relevant legal authorities to ensure land suitability and the absence of encumbrances that could impede progress.
EGTA Investment Ltd. Group Managing Director Bashir Ibrahim underscored the importance of leveraging simple and cost-effective irrigation techniques to empower smallholder farmers.
Similarly, Mrs. Oyeronke Oluniyi, Director of Irrigation and Drainage at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, explained the need for tailored irrigation methods, considering operational costs and ensuring farmer training for sustainable project outcomes.
She highlighted the crucial roles of Water Users Associations and the TRIMING Project in enhancing irrigation practices among farmers.
Calling for support for the partnership, Mr Ali Dallah, Director of Dams and Reservoirs at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, noted that national dam infrastructure would play a crucial role in supporting greenfield projects, irrigation schemes, and development across the country.
Alhaji Aminu Muhammed, President, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, was also in attendance during the visit.
The meeting highlighted a shared commitment to advancing collaborative efforts that will contribute significantly to the county’s agricultural sector and overall economic development.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kayode Olaitan
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