IFAD boosts all-year-round farming in Ebonyi with N200m irrigation project

A major boost to agricultural production is underway in Ebonyi State as the IFAD has commenced the construction of irrigation infrastructure worth over ₦200 million in Izzi Local Government Area.

Sunday Michael Ituma, the State Programme Coordinator of the Federal Government-backed initiative, disclosed that the intervention was designed to transform rice farming in the state from seasonal to all-year-round production, beginning with pilot sites in Izzi.

Ituma said the project targets two strategic locations where irrigation facilities are currently at advanced stages of completion and revealed that the first site is expected to be ready within days, while the second will be completed before the end of the month.

“This is the first of its kind in the State. When we finish these two locations, farmers will be able to cultivate rice two to three times a year, instead of relying only on the rainy season.”

The irrigation system, he explained, deploys modern technology that draws water directly from the Ebonyi River using solar-powered pumps.

The water is then stored in large concrete tanks before being distributed by gravity through pipes into farmlands.

“In this system, a farmer can simply open a tap on the farm, and water flows as needed. It is controlled and efficient,” Ituma noted.

He emphasised that the innovation is particularly significant for dry-season farming where water supply can be regulated based on crop requirements.

Unlike the rainy season where farmers depend entirely on unpredictable rainfall, irrigation allows for precise water management, leading to improved yields.

“Scientifically, dry-season rice farming produces better yield because water is applied when needed. Rice does not even require excessive water as people think,” he added.

The Izzi project is being implemented as a pilot scheme, with plans to replicate it in other parts of Ebonyi State that meet key requirements such as access to perennial water sources and suitable land close to rivers.

“We are starting with Izzi because it has the right conditions, steady water supply and arable land. Once this is successful, we will expand to other local governments,” Ituma said.

He acknowledged that irrigation infrastructure is capital-intensive, which explains its limited availability across the state.

He, however, stressed that the long-term benefits far outweigh the cost, especially in boosting food production and farmers’ income.

“We are investing over ₦200 million in this project. It is expensive, but the impact will be significant. Farmers will move from one farming season to multiple seasons, which means increased output and better livelihoods,” he stated.

The development comes at a time when farmers in Ebonyi are already experiencing early and frequent rainfall, raising questions about changing weather patterns and the need for more controlled agricultural systems.

Experts say irrigation offers a buffer against such uncertainties, ensuring stable production regardless of climate variations.

As the project nears completion, stakeholders in agriculture including Felix Nwafor expect it to mark the beginning of a new era in Ebonyi’s agricultural sector, one driven by technology and sustainability.