According to him, the reactivation of the irrigation scheme was also to restore the livelihoods of internally displaced person (IDP) returnees in liberated communities.
Unveiling the reactivation of irrigation farming, yesterday, in Wulgo community of Ngala Council, the governor disclosed: “We will see how to open up and expand the irrigation activities in Lake Chad Basin,” adding that the Basin comprises six local councils, including Marte, Monguno and Dikwa that massively produce wheat, rice and other crops.
Besides the various irrigation projects, he added that the State government will resettle IDP returnees, as well as reactivate SCIP to address food crises in the state.
He continued: “The South Chad Irrigation Scheme comprises communities on the shores of Lake Chad.”
According to him, the irrigation scheme included dry-season farmers from Gambouru, Dambore, Wulgo, Marte, and Kerenoa communities.
Zulum noted that with the implementation of the irrigation scheme, the project could have created jobs with food security in the Northeast region.
According to him, the State Ministry of Agriculture has already mapped out a strategy for the reactivation of seven irrigation projects in the State.
He noted that SCIP and other irrigation projects; will enable the IDP returnees not to rely on humanitarian assistance and other basic needs of life.
He lamented that the distribution of food and non-food items cannot be sustained, despite the closure of about a dozen IDP camps.
On boosting food security, Zulum disclosed that; “We’re considering medium- and longer-term sustainable solutions that will address food crises in the state.”
He said the State Ministry of Agriculture has taken a decision that will address the food crises.
According to him, the reactivation of the irrigation schemes will overcome the challenges of food insecurity, poverty and unemployment.
