CESEL, MAIS join forces to solar-power Nigeria’s farms

Community Energy Social Enterprise Limited (CESEL) has partnered Mechanized Agriculture Investment (MAIS) Limited to deploy solar irrigation systems across 20,000 hectares of farmland in Kogi State.

According to a statement, the partnership seeks to boost food production, create jobs, and enhance food security in Nigeria. The project will focus on key crops like rice, cassava, and soybeans, while also exploring opportunities in other high-value produce.

The collaboration will leverage CESEL’s Irri-Go platform to onboard 20,000 farmers, providing them with access to a reliable water source, increasing crop yields and reducing reliance on unpredictable rainfall patterns. The project will also explore opportunities for government subsidies and support through the World Bank/REA DARES PUE program.

Chief executive officer at CESEL, Dr. Patrick Tolani emphasized the project’s potential to alleviate hunger and support government efforts in mitigating social unrest. “Our goal is to empower farmers with the tools they need to succeed and create a more prosperous agricultural sector,” he said.

The partnership will commence with the onboarding of 20,000 farmers and the cultivation of 40,000 hectares of land in Kogi State. MAIS will be responsible for payment processing for irrigation services, while CESEL will provide technical support and training to farmers.

This underscores the growing interest in sustainable agriculture and renewable energy in Nigeria. As the project progresses, it is expected to serve as a model for other regions in the country and contribute to Nigeria’s goal of achieving food self-sufficiency.