Opinion

Beyond Seasonal Farming: A Call for Irrigation and Agro-Industrial Revolution in Nigeria

By Yahaya Abdulrahman

As Nigeria grapples with economic uncertainty, the cost of living crisis, and high inflation, many Nigerians have noticed a recent, albeit modest, drop in the price of food commodities. This decline, largely attributed to the onset of the year’s harvest, provides a timely reminder of the immense potential our agricultural sector holds. However, it also highlights a deeper problem — the seasonal nature of our farming practices.

Imagine, for a moment, a Nigeria where farming is not restricted to just one part of the year. A system where harvests occur continuously, ensuring steady supply of food all year round. In such a country, food prices would naturally stabilize — or even crash — under the pressure of increased supply. The implications for the common Nigerian would be enormous: cheaper food, better nutrition, reduced hunger, and improved quality of life.

The Population Surge and Rising Demand

Nigeria's population, now over 220 million and still growing rapidly, has driven an exponential increase in demand for food and other agricultural produce. Beyond consumption, agriculture is vital to industrial growth, serving as a key source of raw materials for manufacturing and processing industries. Our current agricultural output, however, falls woefully short of meeting these demands.

This mismatch between supply and demand has intensified food insecurity, increased reliance on imports, and put pressure on prices. If we are serious about achieving food sufficiency and economic resilience, we must begin to think beyond rain-fed, seasonal agriculture.

Irrigation: The Key to Sustainable Production

One of the most powerful alternatives to seasonal farming is irrigation agriculture. With abundant rivers, dams, and water bodies scattered across the country, particularly in the northern region, Nigeria has the capacity to cultivate crops all year round — if only we invested in the right infrastructure.

Government at all levels must take irrigation farming seriously. This involves:

Investing in modern irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, canal-based)

Ensuring availability and affordability of fertilizer, improved seeds, and agrochemicals

Providing modern implements and mechanization support to farmers

Facilitating access to extension services and agricultural research

Ensuring adequate security, especially in rural and farming communities

Introducing smart agricultural technology and climate-resilient practices

These interventions would not only expand food production but also mitigate the risks posed by climate change and erratic weather patterns.

Northern Nigeria: A Missed Opportunity ?

The North holds over 70% of Nigeria’s arable land, much of which remains underutilized. This region has the potential to be the country’s food basket — not just in name, but in reality. Sadly, successive administrations have paid lip service to agriculture, while insecurity, poor infrastructure, and policy inconsistency have crippled progress.

This must change.

We, the people, must begin to evaluate our governors and representatives by their agricultural performance. Those who fail to prioritize farming and agro-industrial development should be rated low and voted out. Leadership must be redefined around performance, impact, and commitment to the well-being of the people — especially in a region where agriculture could be the greatest driver of prosperity.

Agro-Industrialization: The Missing Link

To achieve real transformation, we must go beyond production to processing and value addition. Establishing agro-processing industries in rural areas will:

Reduce post-harvest losses

Create employment for millions of youth

Stimulate local economies

Increase export potential

Enhance food safety and nutrition

When we process what we produce, we keep wealth within, strengthen our Naira, and build a truly resilient economy. A vibrant agro-industrial sector is not a luxury — it is a necessity.

Conclusion

Nigeria cannot afford to treat agriculture as a seasonal gamble. It must become a deliberate, all-year-round national priority. Irrigation, agro-industrialization, and performance-based leadership are key pillars in this journey toward food security, economic growth, and national stability.

The recent dip in food prices should be a wake-up call — a signal of what is possible when nature cooperates. But we cannot always wait for the rains. With the right policies, investments, and leadership, we can make abundance permanent.

The time to act is now.