The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is set to unveil its “Irrigate Nigeria” project, a transformative initiative designed to enhance mechanized farming and enable farmers to achieve three farming cycles annually.
Speaking on Kakaaki the African Voice, a live program aired on African Independent Television (AIT) in Abuja, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Mr. Khalil S. Halilu, emphasized the project’s potential to revolutionize Nigerian agriculture.
“This initiative will enable farmers to have three harvests in a year, compared to the traditional single-season harvest,” Mr. Halilu stated.
He explained that the project aims to tackle the country’s ongoing food scarcity by providing farmers with modern irrigation techniques and equipment for dry-season farming.
Mr. Halilu revealed that NASENI has already tested the concept at its Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Development Institute (AMEDI) greenhouse in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The successful trials will now be expanded nationwide to ensure broader adoption.
The “Irrigate Nigeria” project also prioritizes the use of locally manufactured tools for farming and post-harvest processing.
“We are also partnering with the Czech Republic to assemble affordable mini tractors, ensuring accessibility for small-scale farmers who cannot afford large tractors,” Mr. Halilu stated.
Beyond agriculture, NASENI is making strides in renewable energy. Mr. Halilu highlighted the Agency’s recent upgrade of the NASENI Solar Energy Company Ltd (NSEL) from 22 megawatts to 50 megawatts in 2024, with plans to expand production capacity to over 100 megawatts in 2025 to meet growing demand.
“These initiatives reflect NASENI’s dedication to advancing food security, renewable energy, and technological innovation in Nigeria,” Mr. Halilu concluded.
NASENI is projecting to lift 2.5 million Nigerians out of poverty within five years through its technology transfer initiatives and various programs.
Additionally, the Agency is reviving 55,000 broken-down tractors and converting them to cleaner energy options such as Compressed and Liquefied Natural Gas.