The Federal Government has approved the large-scale production of locally made solar-powered irrigation pumps to support farmers ahead of the 2025 dry season farming.
The innovation, developed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), is designed to replace petrol-powered pumps, providing farmers with a more sustainable and cost-effective solution for irrigation.
According to the approval, production will be fully funded by the Federal Government, after which the pumps will be distributed to farmers across the country to boost agricultural productivity, particularly in regions heavily dependent on irrigation, such as the North.
Stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a “brilliant project” with the potential to cut farming costs, reduce environmental impact, and improve yields. However, concerns remain about ensuring that the pumps reach genuine farmers who need them most.
Agricultural experts have urged farmers to join cooperatives and associations in order to benefit from such government interventions, stressing that opportunities like this are better accessed through organized groups rather than on an individual basis.
The initiative is expected to mark a major step toward achieving food security and energy efficiency in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
