Farmers in Kogi affected by the recent drought are set to receive federal assistance to help revitalize their farming activities. Kogi’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Timothy Ojomah, announced that the list of affected farmers from the three senatorial districts has been sent to Abuja for evaluation.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja, Ojomah indicated that the Ministry of Agriculture has submitted a proposal to the federal government, hoping for timely support to mitigate the drought’s impact. He urged farmers to resume farming activities by replanting crops in affected areas, given the anticipated rainfall between August and November.
Ojomah highlighted ongoing efforts to boost food production, including exploring dry-season farming and utilizing existing dams for irrigation. The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation recently assessed facilities like the Enome Dam, which, along with others across the state, will be used to enhance irrigation and ensure year-round food production.
The Commissioner emphasized the need for irrigation due to climate change, noting that reliance on rain alone is no longer feasible. He expressed optimism about the potential of these irrigation facilities to significantly increase food production in Kogi.
Ojomah also mentioned that the state government and residents had prayed for rain to aid in food production, reflecting the community’s resilience in the face of climatic challenges.