As part of its poverty reduction interventions, the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) in collaboration with its development partners has launched an irrigation project in the oversees area of the northern region.

The 11.5 million euros project is being funded by SADA, the Dutch government and Wienco. About 400 hectares will be put under irrigation farming for the cultivation of sugar cane.

Also, 150 hectares of land will be utilized by the local peasant farmers to produce crops of their choice for local consumption and for export.

Chief Executive Officer of SADA, Alhaji Gilbert Seidu Iddi told Citi News his outfit contributed 8,000 Euros to leverage the funds meant for the project executed in the oversees area of Yagba-Kubori.

He explained that the project was meant to promote dry season irrigation farming in the ecological zones of the northern region.

He further stated that the irrigation project would be cyclical to promote all year round farming in the beneficiary communities. In his estimation, the project would provide job opportunities to the people of Yagba-Kubori and beyond.

This is expected to reduce the urban-rural drift caused by the high poverty levels recorded in the northern regions. Alhaji Iddi disclosed that technical support will be provided to the beneficiary farmers to improve productivity.

Alhaji Iddi therefore impressed upon the beneficiary communities to zealously safeguard the project. He commended SADA’s development partners for their unflinching support to transform the livelihood of the rural poor.

The project was conceived by the availability of large water bodies in that part of the northern region.

The 11.5 million Euros project irrigation project will be jointly managed by Wienco Ghana Limited, SADA, the Integrated Water and Agriculture Development, the Rebel group of Netherlands and the Dutch government for five years.