FG TO BOOST AGRICULTURE WITH $175M IRRIGATION PROGRAMME

There seems to be a glimmer of hope for the future of Nigerians as Federal Government plans to spend $175m to rehabilitate agricultural and social infrastructure.

The project which is tagged Agricultural Transformation Support Programme Phase one (ATASP- 1), will involve seven states of the Federation.

According to the National Coordinator of ATASP- 1, Mr. Haruna Akwashiki, the five year ATASP-1 programme will boost the cassava, rice and sorghum value chains in the country.

Among the benefits of the programme is the fact that food security and nutrition in the country will be guaranteed and there will be employment for the youths.

Also, the ATASP-1 programme is expected to attract private sector investment in agriculture, reduce post-harvest losses, add value to local agricultural produce and develop rural infrastructure.

To ensure the success of ATASP- 1, the project will be supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and implemented by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.