Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has distributed irrigation equipment and essential farming tools to growers in Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area, as part of ongoing measures to strengthen agricultural production in resettled communities.
The intervention delivered one thousand solar powered water pumps and two hundred tubewell drilling kits to farmers, with the aim of expanding dry season cultivation and improving livelihoods for families gradually returning to the area after years of displacement.
The governor was accompanied by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, who joined him in reaffirming support for increased food production across the state.
Zulum explained that dependence on rainfall is no longer sufficient in the face of climate variability, security concerns and population growth. He noted that his administration adopted irrigation driven farming early on to ensure consistent cultivation during both the rainy and dry periods of the year.
The latest distribution builds on earlier programmes implemented in Damasak and neighbouring communities, including the provision of irrigation infrastructure, mechanised farming services, training for farmers, cooperative strengthening and improved security around farming settlements.
He further stated that the state remains engaged with federal ministries and development partners through the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit to enhance agricultural productivity, processing capacity and access to markets.
Beneficiaries at the event expressed confidence that the additional equipment would help increase output and improve harvests in the coming farming season.
