Arts and Life
Food crisis : College initiates multi million naira irrigation project in Nasarawa
By David Odama
In a deliberate move to mitigate food crisis in the country particularly Nasarawa state, the state college of Agriculture, Science and Technology, COAST, has initiated a multi million Naira modern irrigation project within the College environment.
The project which consists of erection of Screened House, erection and installation of Overhead water tanks as well as sinking and piping of boreholes is to help address food shortages, and increase revenue base of the institution.
Speaking on the project, the Head of Agric- Engineering of the College, Dr.
Dr Kuje who explained that the process was expensive, assured that with the activation of the world in the field of technology driven in agriculture, what the college is embarking on would be the best way to go if Nigeria must achieve food security.
According to Engineer June, “apart from providing an environment for students in general agriculture, horticulture, forestry , crop priduction.and extension fields to gain practical knowledge, the College will be able to generate revenue from the practical fields”.
He said the overhead tank apart from serving as source of reservoir for water, it would provide cheap source of administering soluble fertilizer, chemical spray using either the sprinkler machines or the dripping process which he said is achievable within a single installation.
He added that the Screened House, will serve as crop protection from insects, birds, and other crop related infection or disease and ensure a clean crop production.
” The modern irrigation offers hope in the light of current challenge occasioned by climate change”.
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He called on students in secondary schools to leverage on the evolving technology and embrace the study of agriculture and the science of it because, Nation’s hope lies in the agriculture sector of the economy.
He further said the technology irrigation is best for dry season agriculture practice, stressing that it is a sure way for the production of crops all year round.
He commended the Governor for providing the enable ground for the attainment of academic excellence in the field of agriculture, science and technology
Also speaking, Deputy Rector of the college, Dr Vincent Aya reiterated the importance of the project in the attainment of academic excellence as he said the project will also assist the students in both theoretically and practically aspects of their study.
He appeal to the students in secondary schools as well as parents to encourage their wards to pursue the study of agriculture, science, and technology in line with the modern train all over the world.
Dr Aya however assured that the College under the leadership of the current Rector, Dr. Yahaya Maikafi was determined to reposition the college for global competitiveness.