NALDA empowers 200 Nasarawa residents through home-grown poultry programme
By Bukola Adewumi
The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has successfully empowered 200 youths and women in Nasarawa State under its Home Grown Poultry Programme.
The initiative, aimed at boosting incomes and livelihoods, provided beneficiaries with essential poultry materials.
Executive Secretary of NALDA, Paul Ikonne, revealed that the scheme, conducted in collaboration with traditional leaders, targeted genuine grassroots farmers.
The event, which took place at the Emir’s Palace in Lafia, saw beneficiaries receiving startup packages including free feeds, cages, and birds.
Each recipient was equipped with a three-tier bird cage, 25 birds, and three bags of feed to sustain the poultry until maturity.
Prior to the distribution, NALDA’s team briefed local leaders, emphasising the project’s revolving nature, with sustainability tied to the commitment of the beneficiaries.
Ikonne stressed the importance of reducing chicken imports, highlighting NALDA’s commitment to expanding the poultry industry, reducing unemployment, and bolstering the national economy.
He urged beneficiaries to prioritise training and guidance for optimal poultry production.
Speaking on behalf of traditional leaders, Justice Sidi Muhammed (retired), Chairman of Nasarawa Council of Chiefs, expressed gratitude to NALDA for trusting the traditional institution in executing the project.
Muhammed emphasised the need for more interventions in the state, given its status as an agricultural hub.
Beneficiaries, such as Hajara Umar and Jamila Haruna, lauded the intervention, citing its positive impact on their poultry businesses.
Umar highlighted the significance of the support in mitigating high feed prices, while Haruna expressed gratitude for the opportunity to sell and restock, ensuring sustained business growth.
NALDA’s Home Grown Poultry Programme has already been implemented in FCT, Lagos State, and Nasarawa State, with plans for expansion to more states across the country in the near future. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).
Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo
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