News in brief:
– HortiNigeria, funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands, distributed 10 solar-powered irrigation pumps to farmers Nigeria aiming to enhance food security and promote sustainable agriculture.
– The initiative addresses challenges of limited water access and rising fuel costs for farmers, providing a practical solution while emphasising environmental stewardship.
In a bid to boost agricultural production and promote environmental sustainability, the HortiNigeria project has distributed 10 solar-powered irrigation pumps to farmers across four Nigerian states, a report says.
The initiative, funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands, aims to transform the horticulture sector and enhance food security in the region.
Launched in 2021, HortiNigeria has reportedly established itself as a key player in fostering sustainable agricultural practices. Spanning 10 local government areas across Kano, Ogun, Kaduna, and Oyo states, the project focuses on critical value chains such as cabbage, cucumber, okra, tomatoes, pepper, carrots, watermelon, and sweetcorn.
Marking International Clean Energy Day, HortiNigeria Program Director Mohammed Salasi emphasized the significance of this latest initiative. He stated that the solar-powered irrigation pumps are not just a symbol of its commitment to environmental stewardship, but also a practical solution to two major challenges: limited water access and rising fuel costs for farmers.
By replacing traditional fuel-dependent methods with eco-friendly solar power, HortiNigeria is empowering farmers to enjoy cost-effective and sustainable irrigation.
The project, running from 2021 to 2025, is implemented in collaboration with renowned organizations like the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), and the East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation, the KIT Royal Tropical Institute, and Wageningen University & Research. Their combined expertise aims at driving innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture in Nigeria.
