Borno governor calls for boost in irrigated farming
By: Hamza Suleiman
Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has urged the Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA) to invest heavily in groundwater irrigated farming to boost food security and economic activities.
Zulum made the appeal while receiving the newly constituted CBDA Board, led by its Chairman, Prof. Abdu Dauda Biu, on a courtesy visit to Maiduguri.
Highlighting the agricultural potential along Lake Chad’s shores, the governor named Kirenowa, Marte, Gamborun Ngala, and Baga as areas blessed with groundwater and arable land.
“I wish to draw your kind attention to the presence of considerable groundwater along the shores of Lake Chad. We must not rely solely on surface water,” Zulum said.
He revealed that a fact-finding team he dispatched to Gamborun Ngala confirmed the availability of substantial groundwater, ideal for irrigation farming in the region.
Zulum added that the state government had committed about ₦2 billion to cultivating 1,000 hectares of farmland using a solar-powered irrigation system in Baga.
He noted that an additional ₦1.5 billion was allocated for similar solar-powered irrigation projects in Gamborun Ngala and Marte, which are now nearing completion.
“In our efforts to revitalise the South Chad Irrigation Scheme, we are currently cultivating 1,000 hectares of land under the Baga Polder Irrigation Project.
“We are also developing 200,000 hectares at the Gamboru Pump House and another 200,000 hectares at the Gamboru Ladari solar-powered irrigation system,” he said.
Zulum further revealed that about 3,000 tube wells had been drilled in Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area, enabling farming along a 16-kilometre stretch.
He pledged continued collaboration with the CBDA to expand agricultural activities in Ngala, Damasak, and New Marte, supporting returnees and sustainable food production.
Zulum reaffirmed his commitment to reviving the Chad Basin’s Kirenowa pumping station and disclosed efforts to establish a military battalion in the area.
“We are consulting with the President and military hierarchy on establishing a battalion in Kirenowa to safeguard the pumping station,” the governor said.
Earlier, CBDA Board Chairman, Biu, and Managing Director, Alh. Tijjani Tumsa, recalled that the board was constituted on Dec. 13, 2024.
They said the board had inspected key facilities under its jurisdiction, including the Alau Dam, and commended Zulum for his interventions in the authority’s management.
The CBDA leadership pledged collaboration with the state government on irrigation, livestock rearing, and fishing, and sought Zulum’s support for completing the Alau Dam rehabilitation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
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