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From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes Project (ACReSAL) has drilled about 250 wash boreholes and tube wells across Gombe State to strengthen irrigation farming and expand dry season agricultural activities.
The State Project Coordinator, Dr. Sani Adamu Jauro, disclosed that the intervention covers nearly all local government areas, except Kaltungo and Gombe LGAs, where implementation is yet to begin.
Jauro said installation of irrigation equipment was currently underway, while additional boreholes are being planned under a follow-up phase of the project.
According to him, the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to scale up dry season farming, enhance food security, and improve rural livelihoods through sustainable access to water resources.
The project is also conducting a comprehensive groundwater survey to support long-term irrigation planning. The exercise, being carried out by a consultant in collaboration with the State Ministry of Water Resources, aims to identify viable irrigation zones across the state.
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Jauro explained that the survey would generate scientific data to guide future investments and ensure efficient allocation of water resources for agricultural purposes.
Under the directive of Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, the project also rehabilitated the canal of the Balanga Dam, originally constructed during the administration of former Head of State, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.
The coordinator noted that the dam’s irrigation canal had suffered years of neglect before the recent intervention restored its functionality.
He added that the dam’s catchment area has the capacity to support more than 11,000 acres of year-round agricultural activities.
The revitalised infrastructure is expected to boost large-scale farming, create employment opportunities and provide productive engagement for youths, particularly in rural communities.
Jauro maintained that the integrated approach aligns with the state government’s agenda of leveraging climate-resilient infrastructure to drive economic growth and promote social stability.
