The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the nationwide deployment of solar-powered irrigation pumps developed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI). The move is set to provide farmers, agribusinesses, and rural SMEs with affordable, energy-efficient alternatives to petrol-powered irrigation systems.
For years, high fuel costs and unreliable access to electricity have limited the ability of smallholder farmers and agricultural SMEs to expand. With the introduction of NASENI's solar pumps, stakeholders can now cut operational expenses, improve productivity, and increase yields. The technology will also serve as a reliable backup power source for households and businesses in rural areas.
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Equipped with GPS tracking, mobile dashboards, usage monitoring, and pay-as-you-go integration, the pumps are designed to meet modern farming needs while supporting financial inclusion. Beyond agriculture, experts believe the innovation could open up new SME opportunities in installation, servicing, and distribution, creating jobs across the value chain.
Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, NASENI's Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, described the approval as "a strong vote of confidence in homegrown innovation that will lower costs for farmers, secure livelihoods, and contribute to food security."
