UBRBDA deploys modern water reticulation tech to boost Irrigation at lake Geriyo
The Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority (UBRBDA) has begun deploying modern water distribution technologies at the Lake Geriyo Irrigation Project in Yola as part of efforts to significantly reduce the cost of water generation for irrigation and boost dry season farming.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, Amb. Dr. Mahmud Sanusi Mohammed, disclosed this during an inspection tour of the irrigation facility with members of the Correspondents Chapel, Adamawa State, who visited the site to assess the level of preparedness for the 2025/2026 dry season farming season.
He said the technology involved converting the obsolete centrifugal water pumping machines to axial technology which is more efficient, cost effective and will lead to substantial reduction of the cost of water generation for irrigation.
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The initiative, according to the UBRBDA boss, is part of ongoing reforms aimed at modernizing irrigation infrastructure and ensuring that farmers have affordable access to water for agricultural production.
Dr. Mohammed explained that one of the major challenges confronting irrigation farming across the country has been the high cost associated with water pumping and distribution. He noted that the Authority under his leadership has adopted modern and efficient pumping systems to reduce operational costs while improving water supply to farms within the irrigation scheme.
He said the installation of new high-capacity water pumping machines at the Lake Geriyo Irrigation Project will enhance water abstraction from River Benue and ensure a more reliable distribution of water across irrigation canals.
According to him, the introduction of the modern pumping system is expected to reduce energy consumption and operational costs, thereby making irrigation farming more sustainable and affordable for farmers.
Dr. Mohammed emphasized that efficient water management remains a critical factor in Nigeria’s quest to achieve food security, particularly under the Federal Government’s agricultural transformation agenda.
He noted that the Authority has also undertaken other technical interventions to ensure the smooth operation of the irrigation facility ahead of the farming season.
These interventions include strategic sediment management along sections of River Benue to improve water flow, desilting of irrigation canals to enhance water distribution, and the clearing of invasive aquatic vegetation that previously obstructed water movement within the irrigation channels.
The Managing Director explained that these efforts are designed to ensure that farmers participating in the irrigation scheme receive adequate water supply throughout the farming season.
In addition to improving water delivery systems, the Authority has also rehabilitated the access road leading to the irrigation facility using biotechnology-based stabilization techniques.
He explained that the method is environmentally friendly and helps strengthen the road surface while reducing construction waste and protecting the surrounding ecosystem.
Dr. Mohammed expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved so far, noting that the combination of modern pumping technology and improved water management practices has significantly enhanced the operational readiness of the Lake Geriyo Irrigation Project.
He stressed that the Authority remains committed to support farmers through innovative water resource management strategies that will encourage year-round farming.
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