ASHENEWS reports that farmers in the state are now using irrigation methods for fast-growing crops and to provide growth to their crops. This is because scarce rainfall and excessively hot temperatures have posed challenges to the speedy growth of crops in Sokoto State.
Irrigation is the operation of causing water to flow over lands, for nourishing plants. It is the process of applying water to the crops artificially to fulfil their water requirements. Nutrients may also be provided to the crops through this method.
Speaking with ASHENEWS, Aliyu Umar, a farmer at Adarawa Village, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto lamented how scarce rainfall denied some crops to grow. He explained that most crops need excessive water to grow even though some require less or no water.
“Rainfall barely happens in Sokoto unlike the western and southern part of Nigeria which we have created a method to balance the nourishment of our plants. We applied irrigation methods in our farms for our crops to grow. Crops like sugarcane, rice, and wheat need excessive water for fast growth even though tomatoes, grapes and vegetables need less water,” he said.
The hot temperature in the state is due to climate change and excess deforestation in the state.
“We’ll continue to implement this method as much as this is the only thing we do to survive but as well advise our people to minimize or put a stop to deforestation”, he added
Irrigation farming is very key to food security and sufficiency – Expert
Irrigation farming is an alternate method developed by farmers for crop nourishment
According to Mr Joel Ajadi Oladiran of the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho, Oyo State, irrigation provides food security and sufficiency for crops to nourish.
“Irrigation farming is very key to food security and sufficiency,” he said.
He further explains that an increase in food production through an irrigation system will cut down the poverty rate, generate employment opportunities, boost the economy of the farmers and increase the GDP of the county.
“Nigeria is blessed with enough water resources that gave her an irrigation potential to nourish her plants,” he added
He advised farmers to embrace irrigation as one of the best strategies for crop nourishment.
