Leverage on underground water to boost agric, U.S. forum tells Nigeria

As Nigeria seeks measures to diversify the economy through agriculture, stakeholders at a summit in the United States, have urged government to explore groundwater resilience programme for sustainable agricultural practice in the country.

Besides, Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong has expressed optimism that Nigeria would come out of the present economy crunch through diversification into sustainable agricultural practices and mineral resources.

Lalong said this while addressing participants at the Ground water summit holding in Denver, United States of America.According to him, as the world is focusing on sustainable development through major intervention project and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), there is the need to be strategic in the campaign for diversification into agriculture.He said through such vision, future generation would be positively influenced and not be deprived of their rights.

He observed that commercial agricultural practices require a lot of water for its sustainability throughout the season hence; ground water takes a lot in this practice. He stressed the need to integrate the water management practices for
environmental, economical and social agricultural practices.

National President of Association of Waterwell Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP), Michael Ale, urged knowledge investors to come to Nigeria for baseline information and research into the sustainable use of underground water for agricultural practices.

Ale expressed optimism for governance in Nigeria because of the giant stride of the Governor Lalong to search for knowledge before taking development action.

He enjoined Nigeria delegation and other participants to use the opportunity of their stay in the U.S to acquire knowledge and harness good opportunities for the country.

He emphasised the need for scientific application of Information Technology into every development practices especially in governance as well as canvassed for groundwater resilience programme for Nigeria to sustainable agricultural practice for economic growth and job creation. President of the NGWA Jeffery Williams commended the large turnout of the Nigerians to the summit, with Lalong being part of the team.

He promised to draw knowledgeable experts in agriculture and water resources management to the country for collaboration on sustainable agricultural practices for economic growth.

Nigeria delegations comprising of 25 participants drawn from Abuja, Plateau, Delta, Oyo and Lagos who participated at this year NGWA were offered certified short course on Sustainability Governance Practice/Agricultural Management Practices and impacts on Groundwater.