A Non-governmental Organization (NGO), otherwise known as Rurcon Food Security has tasked farmers to make use of pumping machines to safeguard food security during the dry season.
The season known as dry season farming could be best managed when farmers who predominantly reside in the rural areas are armed with water pumping machines, the NGO said.
Distributing over 40 water pumping machines, in 20 communities of Makarfi and Soba LGA, of Northern Senatorial Zone in Kaduna State, the Executive Director, Rurcon Food Security, Mrs Dinatu Ayinzat, said the gesture is to boost irrigation farming.
According to her: “Food Security during the dry season is essential for sustainability and to achieve this, through the partnership of Bread For The World Germany, a donor organization we have procured these pumping machines for you.
“It will be awkward for the donor organization to sacrifice such a huge amount of money for these water pumping machines and later hear they are not judiciously used.
“I encourage you therefore to make use of the water pumping machines collectively and individually to promote food security through dry season farming (irrigation) in addition to rain fed farming”, she said.
Ayinzat, however, appreciated the effort of various farmers and cooperative leaders for their sacrifice in leading respective cooperative groups, adding that her visit to the communities is an experience she will not forget in time.
“The roads are not good and all of you always respond to Rurcon Food Security whenever we call you to come to Zaria ”, She said.
On his part, Rurcon Food Security Officer, Mr. Nehemiah Wuyep who also addresses over 107 participants at the gathering, advised the beneficiaries to always maintain the pumping machines by routine servicing for long lasting usage.
“The machines are not for decoration and are not for specific individuals but for farmers’ cooperative usage during dry season farming.
“I urge you to keep proper records of crops produced through irrigation as we will always request for the records”, Wuyep said.
Our correspondent reports that 40 pumping machines were distributed to 20 farmers’ cooperative groups, each cooperative group were given 2 water pumping machines, two 25 yards delivery hose and two 5yards suction hose.
Responding, a beneficiary who spoke to newsmen said this is the first time they are receiving such a gesture from an organization without paying money.
He thanked Rurcon for coming to their aid, promising on behalf of other beneficiaries to always make good use of the machines for the purpose in which it was given.