In response to growing anxiety among rice growers in the Middle Rima Valley, the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA) has initiated emergency measures to ensure immediate water supply to farmlands threatened by declining river levels.
Farmers across key agricultural belts in Sokoto and Kebbi states have raised alarms over the drying irrigation channels, which pose a serious risk to thousands of hectares of rice crops as the pre-inflow season sets in.
The authority, led by Managing Director Alhaji Abubakar Mallam, has promised swift intervention to forestall potential losses.
In response, Mallam directed the release of essential volumes of water to critical areas and summoned a high-level strategy session with senior engineers and project leaders.
Among those present were the Executive Director of Engineering, Engr. Mansur Khalifa, and several project managers overseeing large-scale irrigation schemes across the basin.
The urgent meeting focused on long-term water conservation strategies and immediate steps to address shortages during the dry season.
Officials emphasized the need for proactive collaboration between dam managers, engineers, and farmers to sustain irrigation activities during this fragile period.
As part of the intervention, the SRRBDA chief embarked on a comprehensive inspection tour across major rice-growing hubs, including Argungu and Birnin Kebbi.
During the visit, he assessed the condition of rice fields in Gazawa, Tura, Farfajiya, and Infiya. Speaking with farmers on the ground, Mallam reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to standing with them during this period.
“It is not acceptable to remain in our offices while our farmers are in distress. This administration is fully aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s agricultural transformation agenda. We are committed to ensuring no farm is left without water,” Mallam stated.
Meanwhile, officials managing the Goronyo Dam clarified the reasons behind the temporary pause in water release.
Abdullahi Jafar, head of dam operations, explained that the halt was based on weather predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which anticipated sufficient rainfall to supplement irrigation. However, he assured that current water reserves remain adequate to meet dry-season farming needs.
In Kebbi, the Project Manager of the Zauro Polder Irrigation Scheme, Hajiya Mariya Muhammad, reassured the farming communities of the Authority’s readiness to act swiftly under its leadership.
“We are in constant communication with farmers. With the new management in place, our focus is on timely response and practical support to help them navigate challenges,” she said.
