NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FG’ll deploy drones to maximise agricultural output – Kyari
Agriculture

FG’ll deploy drones to maximise agricultural output – Kyari

545 total views today

By Salif Atojoko

Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, on Tuesday, said the Federal Government will deploy technology for all-year round farming.

The minister said this while briefing State House correspondents.

“The faster we clear land, harvest, chemical deployment, whether it’s pesticide, whether it’s herbicide, the better.

“We intend to use drone technology in doing that because what one drone can do, a hundred people cannot do in a day.

“So, we are going to use drones to fast-track agricultural activities, harvest quickly, and then make the land available for the next cycle of cultivation,” said Kyari.

He said his ministry would partner the private sector to support vibrant youths to take advantage of its mechanisation programme.

“It is very important to also educate our farmers that agriculture is no longer for the stomach only. It should also be seen as a business, something that will earn a livelihood.

“So, what we have seen that input support may not necessarily be what will incentivise our smallholder farmers to produce.

“I think we need to change the mindset and see how we can engage them in such a way that funding from the private sector should support agricultural production,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

We expect bumper wheat harvest – Agric minister
Agriculture

We expect bumper wheat harvest – Agric minister

501 total views today

By Salif Atojoko

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security,  Sen. Abubakar Kyari, says wheat farmers are expecting bumper harvest this year as a result of  support from  the Federal Government.

The minister said this at a media parley with State House correspondents on Tuesday.

He said the expectation of a bumper wheat harvest was based on the Federal Government’s  intervention in the phase one of dry season wheat production of 2024-2025, which ended on Dec. 27, 2024.

He said during the programme, that about 300,000 farmers were supported to cultivate 150,000 hectares, which meant  one farmer per half a hectare.

He said the Federal Government subsidised wheat seeds to the tune of 75 per cent, with farmers paying 25 per cent of the seed amount.

“Then, in terms of fertilisation, it’s also 50-50, just like we did last year, 50 per cent subsidy of fertiliser to the farmers.

“So, we’re waiting for the vegetative growth and also subsequently,  the harvest  sometime around March and April.

“We have a lot of expectations this year because the farmers have expressed  desires to go into wheat more than ever before, simply because of the attraction and the profit,” the minister said. 

He stated that Cross River became a wheat producing state, the first time a southern state joined the other 15 northern wheat producing states.

“It’s a pilot scheme that we’re going to have in the northern part of Cross River. Wheat, of course, is a crop that is cultivated in cold season and under irrigation.

“In addition to the dry season, we also intend to pilot wet season wheat cultivation in highland areas that are temperate, that are colder, places like Taraba , Plateau , and the same Cross River,”  Kyari said. 

He said from reports received from different parts of the country, there was considerable positive harvest generally in the  2024 farming season.

“We have a harvest that far exceeds that of the previous year in all the major staple crops that we have cultivated during the wet season in 2024.

“Going forward, we also have engaged and have launched the dry season cultivation of 2024 through 2025.

“We launched the dry season cultivation  Cross River, on Nov. 14, 2024, when we had the 46th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Agriculture and Food Security which held at the International Convention Centre, Calabar. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Niger govt deploys experts for food security
Agriculture

Niger govt deploys experts for food security

476 total views today

 

By Rita Iliya

Niger Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has deployed its agric experts to promote best practices among farmers to improve crop yields.

 

Dr Matthew Ahmed, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said this during a visit to Niger Foods Green House and Edozhigi Irrigation Scheme in Gbako Local Government of the state.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the team also inspected the 57.3 hectares of land allocated to permanent secretaries for rice production in Kakankpagi as part of efforts to promote farming among civil servants.

 

The inspection was conducted in partnership with the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and Synergos Nigeria.

 

Ahmed said the exercise was to assess the current practices of farmers and provide guidance on adopting more impactful and innovative methods to improve crop yields.

 

“We want to ensure that our farmers are aware of the latest technologies and innovations in agriculture, and ensure they adopt best practices to improve their yields,” he said.

 

He said that the team would also monitor the African Development Bank-funded ATASP-1 intervention, which built irrigation canals to enable farmers to grow crops three times a year.

 

Ahmed emphasised that the overall goal of the visit was to improve the livelihoods of farmers, increase yield production and reduce food security challenges in the country.

 

He assured the farmers that the state government was tackling the challenges posed by herders, adding that the government would soon establish the Ministry of Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs and the Ministry of Homeland Security.

 

Malam Alhassan Umaru, Coordinating AGRA Intervention in the ministry, said the exercise was to improve policy implementation, stakeholders’ coordination, data monitoring and evaluation of all AGRA programmes.

 

He said the exercise was also to assess farmers’ application of technology, their challenges, to amend policies if need be and realign strategies to ensure smooth project implementation.

 

Mrs Caroline Aro, Farm Manager of Niger Foods Green House, said the house specialised in producing high-quality vegetables such as tomatoes, belle pepper, super abenero, and seedless baby cucumbers.

 

She said the house had recorded significant success in vegetable production, with over a tonne of cucumber harvested within a short period.

 

“We planted the cucumber on Nov. 16, 2024, and we have harvested over a tonne,” she said.

 

Also, Alhaji Yahaya Umaru, a rice farmer, said before the ATASP-1 intervention, farmers were unable to engage in irrigation farming, but with the construction of irrigation canals, they could farm three times a year.

 

Umaru added that with the support of ATASP-1, farmers in the area now harvest about 70 bags of 75kg rice per hectare.

 

He noted that farming, which was previously seen as a heritage, was now a profitable business with the state government intervention. (NAN)

Edited by Stanley Nwanosike/Joe Idika

Nigerian Army formalises collaboration with firm on food security
Defence/Security , Food Security

Nigerian Army formalises collaboration with firm on food security

665 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited (NAFARL), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with Ivillagro Services Limited to implement President Bola Tinubu‘s directive on achieving food security in the country.

The MoU was signed by the Executive Director of NAFARL, Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife and the Chief Executive Officer of Ivillagro Services, retired Maj. Lancelot Anyanya, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The MoU signing was witnessed by the Acting Director, Legal Services (Army), Col. Samuel Okebukola.

In his remarks, Maj.-Gen. Nnabeife said the MoU was in fulfillment of President Tinubu’s directive to the Armed Forces of Nigeria to take advantage of all vast arable lands within the country for agricultural purposes.

He said that the Nigerian Army had since keyed into the directives through the NAFARL with the launch of the “Project Planting of One Million Date Fruit Seedlings”.

According to him, the farm had so far planted over 3,000 out of the projected 5,000 within its land in Giri on over 20 hectares of land.

“So, we are determined to ensure that we key into all Federal Government’s agricultural initiatives to ensure that we end this food insecurity in the country.

“We believe we can’t do it alone and that is why today we are signing this MoU with Ivillagro, a well-noted indigenous agricultural establishment that is vast in all aspects,” he said.

The NAFARL boss thanked the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for giving approval for the signing of the MoU to ensure that they build on the already established collaboration with the firm.

He said the COAS was determined to ensure that the farm grows and had assured of his continual support until NAFARL meaningfully contributed its quota to the National Grain Reserve.

On his part, the CEO of Ivillagro, retired Maj. Anyanya, said the MoU was a testament to the enduring commitment of the Nigerian Army to its depth of commitment to assuring food security as part of its wider constitutional commitment to aid civil authority.

He said that their commitment to the enterprise was not just driven by business or pecuniary considerations but an indication of their enduring commitment as Nigerians to make the country a better space for everyone to live in.

“As the saying goes, an army marches on its belly.

“So, I hope that together we can leverage technology, the institutional goodwill of the Nigerian Army, and other players in this vital ecosystem to support first the army in attaining self-sufficiency to make sure that our army, which is currently committed in multiple theaters to multiple operations, can truly march on a satisfied belly.

“And then onwards that our country will benefit from the understandable investment it is making and should continue to make in the Nigerian Army and indeed the Nigerian Armed Forces and other institutions of state.

“We will partner with you in every true sense of the word.

“We cannot ask for better partners in our commitment as a corporate entity than the Nigerian Army,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Stanley Nwanosike and Yakubu Uba

FG supports 2,000 wheat farmers in Niger
Agriculture

FG supports 2,000 wheat farmers in Niger

555 total views today

 

By Rita Iliya

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, on Thursday distributed inputs to 2000 farmers for dry season wheat farming in Niger.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the scheme is under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP).

 

Mr Ishaku Buba, National Project Officer of NAGS-AP, disclosed this during the distribution for the 2024/2025 in Garafini and Swashi communities in Borgu.

 

NAN reports that the scheme had taken off on 2,000 hectares of land in the two communities using mechanised farming methods.

Buba, who was represented by Musaku Emmanuel, said the initiative was a collaborative effort aimed at making Nigeria self-sufficient in wheat production.

 

“This initiative is expected to improve the living conditions of the community and address the shortfall of wheat production in the country.

 

“SMK Nigeria Limited provides the farmers with NPK and Urea fertilisers as well as certified and improved seeds of wheat,” he said.

 

Buba noted that the initiative was part of the Federal Government’s effort to boost wheat production in the country.

 

Alhaji Adamu Jibril, District Head of Garafini, who is also a wheat farmer lauded the gesture.

 

He expressed optimism that it would improve wheat production and livelihoods in the community.

 

“This initiative is aimed at improving the livelihoods of my subjects, and creating a sustainable economy,” he said.

Also speaking, Samaila Ismail, a farmer, said: “With the modern techniques, we have moved from peasant farming to mechanised farming, using tractors and planters to enhance our productivity.

 

“In the past, we used to get half a tonne per hectare, but now we can get three tonnes per hectare, which is 30 bags of wheat,” he said.

 

Ismail added that with this scheme, wheat importation would soon be a thing of the past in Nigeria.

 

He said that the support received would encourage more farmers to embrace wheat farming. (NAN)

Edited by Abigael Joshua and Yakubu Uba

Stakeholders seek review of gender policies on agricultural export
Agriculture

Stakeholders seek review of gender policies on agricultural export

547 total views today

By Felicia Imohimi

The Farmers Aggregators Initiative of Nigeria (FAIN), an NGO, and other stakeholders have called for a comprehensive review of existing gender policies and laws on agricultural export.

They made the call at a summit on Mainstreaming Gender in Agriculture organised by FAIN  in Abuja.

The theme of the summit is “Mainstreaming Gender into the Agricultural Sector for Women and Youth Empowerment: Developing a Roadmap for Understanding Gender Policy and Export Trade in Line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).’’

Mr Cornelius Agenyi, Chief Executive Officer, FAIN, said the summit was aimed at enhancing gender mainstreaming within agriculture by promoting the active participation of women and youths, addressing vital sectoral issues and contributing to the fight against food insecurity.

Agenyi called for the collaboration of government, international organisations and private sector to ensure that gender-sensitive policies were not just in place but effectively implemented.

He specifically urged them to prioritise land rights, access to finance and equal representation in leadership roles.

According to him, the summit will also provide a platform for exchanging knowledge, sharing experiences and discussing best practices.

He said that FAIN was committed to empowering women and youth through modern agricultural practices that fostered sustainable livelihoods, thereby aligning with SDGs 1, 2 and 5.

Agenyi said that the initiative collaborated with more than 41 MDAs and government agencies and was endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security as well as the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

“Mainstreaming gender was more than just a policy, but a mindset, an approach that seeks to remove barriers and create an environment where both women and men could contribute equitably to agricultural development.

“Incorporating gender perspectives in agricultural business is not only a matter of justice; it is a strategic economic move.

“Studies have shown that when women have equal access to resources; they invest their earnings in their families, communities and economy, fostering greater growth and development.

“By empowering women in agriculture, we unlock untapped potential that drives productivity, innovation and sustainable development,” he said.

Col. Abdulmumini Aminu(retired), Chairman, Board of Trustees, FAIN, called for decisive actions towards visible support for Nigerian women to succeed in agricultural sector.

Aminu, who was represented by Mrs Modupe Jemibewon, Secretary to the board, identified funding as a major challenge to efforts in boosting women farmers’ participation in agriculture.

He, however, urged President Bola Tinubu to take up the challenge of maintaining gender into agricultural business in line with the renewed hope agenda.

Mrs Folashade Joseph, Managing Director, Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), identified women as indispensable to achieving food security, yet their potential remained underutilised due to systemic barriers.

According to her, empowering women societies can only be achieved by improving food security and addressing broader goals of poverty reduction, gender equality and sustainable development.

She listed some objective areas towards SDGs as improved or enhanced stakeholders understanding of gender policies and their impact on agriculture and export trade as well as promoting gender equality and increased women participation.

Joseph, however, said there was need to conduct a comprehensive review of existing gender policies and laws relating to agriculture and trade.

“In viewing gender policy, there is need for stakeholders’ engagement including government officials, farmers, exporters, women and youth to raise awareness and gather input; to provide tracing and capacity building programmes for stakeholders on gender sensitive agriculture and export trade practices,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Group to train 7,200 livestock breeders to boost sector’s value-chain
Agriculture

Group to train 7,200 livestock breeders to boost sector’s value-chain

413 total views today

 

 

By Mercy Omoike

The Economic Empowerment of Women and Youth in Livestock Agriculture (EEWYLA) initiative has targeted the training of 7,200 livestock breeders by 2027 to revolutionise Nigeria’s livestock industry and value-chain.

Mrs Amina Momoh-Orimoloye, the EEWYLA coordinator and founder of Oriyon International Ltd., disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

NAN reports that EEWYLA is spearheaded by Oriyon International Ltd.

The initiative has also partnered the Benue State Agricultural Development Company to achieve the goal.

The EEWYLA initiative not only provides training but integrates participants into an ecosystem that promises real growth and access to international markets.

Momoh-Orimoloye said the collaboration between the group and the government was aimed at empowering marginalised groups to revolutionise the sector through cutting-edge block chain technology developed by RUMER.NG.

She also reiterated that EEWYLA initiative would break the mould of traditional livestock training programmes.

“Unlike conventional livestock programmes that often fail to achieve scalability or market access, the EEWYLA initiative offers a refreshing alternative to such conventional training programmes that often fail to deliver tangible growth in this sector.

“EEWYLA’s approach combines practical training, mentorship, and access to innovative tools. The initiative trains breeders in small ruminant farming, focusing on goats and sheep, while working towards certifying them through the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science.

“Trainees gain hands-on experience in breeding, feeding, health management, and business skills, coupled with a strong emphasis on compliance with international standards,” Momoh-Orimoloye said.

The coordinator noted that distinction of the EEWYLA initiative was its partnership with RUMER.NG, a block chain-based platform, that guarantees traceability across the livestock value chain.

“This integration ensures that participants are not just skilled farmers but also verified breeders with products that meet international market demands.

“EEWYLA and RUMER.NG address core issues plaguing the livestock sector.

“The traceability feature enables buyers to verify the provenance of livestock and products, resolving long-standing disputes over claims and accusations, such as those seen in farmer-herder conflicts.

“Furthermore, the initiative provides beneficiaries with Forward Purchasing Agreements and access to certified breeding colonies, ensuring consistent demand and income.

“This innovative model guarantees that every breeder and product can be traced from origin to market, building trust and opening pathways to global trade.

“With Nigeria and much of Africa historically excluded from high-value export markets due to compliance challenges, this initiative bridges that gap,” EEWYLA coordinator said.

She also noted that the main beneficiaries of the partnership is centered around women, youth and People With Disabilities (PWDs).

“For women, youths, and PWDs entering this sector, the initiative offers more than just training—it offers economic empowerment. Beneficiaries receive starter herds, access to land, and integration into a global marketplace.

“Certified breeders can list their livestock on RUMER.NG, ensuring fair pricing and access to foreign exchange opportunities.

“Through mechanised processing facilities for dairy, meat, hides, and biogas production, EEWYLA’s zero-waste approach ensures environmental sustainability while adding value to livestock products.

“This ecosystem not only boosts income but also positions Nigerian farmers as competitive players in international markets.

Momoh-Orimoloye , however, urged policymakers, financial institutions, and international partners to support this vision of inclusive, sustainable, and traceable agriculture.

“EEWYLA and RUMER.NG are proof that we can address structural challenges while empowering our people. This is our opportunity to put Nigerian livestock on the global map.

“For individuals eager to transform their futures through livestock farming, or for organisations looking to be part of a ground-breaking initiative, now is the time to act.

“With this partnership, Nigeria’s livestock sector stands on the cusp of a revolution—one that promises empowerment, sustainability, and a brighter economic future,” she added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

FG/IFAD to accelerate inclusive, resilient growth of rural economy
Agriculture

FG/IFAD to accelerate inclusive, resilient growth of rural economy

455 total views today

By Felicia Imohimi

The Federal Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have begun annual review of Nigeria Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) from 2024 to 2029.

Dr Dede Ekoue, IFAD Country Director, spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the annual COSOP review.

She said it was aimed at promoting inclusive and resilient growth of rural economy through market-driven, agri-food system transformation for food and nutrition security for 1.2 million beneficiaries.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that COSOP is the framework of cooperation strategy between IFAD and government for IFAD financing and facilitating management for results.

The 2024 to 2029 COSOP was designed through intensive consultations with stakeholders in each geopolitical zone under the leadership of Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Food Security and Finance approved by the IFAD Executive Board in April, 2024.

Ekoue said the beneficiaries included smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

She said the annual review would help to highlight some key results of the strategy for the year and also serve as a platform to reflect on the way forward.

Ekoue said digital solution in line with the National Agricultural and Technology Innovation Policy (NATIP) would be scaled up in the new COSOP.

“2024 to 2029 COSOP is aimed at strengthening gender equality by moving from gender mainstreaming to gender transformation.

“It will also strengthen gender equality in leadership and managing workloads; nutrition is a key feature of the new COSOP.”

She said the new COSOP had supported training on good practice, technology and climate resilience, as well as full input and other material supports.

“COSOP has helped to support no fewer than 74,000 farmers and agro-entrepreneur in boosting their production capacity and their productivity through access to training, input and other equipment.

“Focus is put on climate resilience which has a significant impact on the agro-productivity and food system in general.

“The COSOP was also instrumental to reaching out to 20,000 persons in rural area to access financial service and helping 10,000 beneficiaries to access financial literacy.

“The projects have supported no fewer than 24,000 women, youths and start-up income generation activities.

“The projects helped beneficiaries access over 30,000 hectares of land because access to land is critical especially for youth and women and other vulnerable groups.’’

Ekoue attributed the achievement to positive partnership between the Federal Government and effective partnership between the states and the beneficiary communities.

According to her, in line with government priorities under the COSOP, IFAD is funding three sovereign investment programmes in Nigeria.

She listed the programmes as Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) and Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ).

“A new project- Value Chain Programme in Northern Nigeria (VCN) is expected to come on board in 2025.

“COSOP aligned with Nigeria’s food system transformation focusing on enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable practices and improving market access for smallholder farmers.

“COSOP emphasises on climate resilience and environmental sustainability aligns with Nigeria’s National Climate Change Policy (2021 to 2030), promoting sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices to mitigate climate change impacts while ensuring food security,” she said.

Mr Bukar Musa, Director, Projects Coordinating Unit of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said the review was a testament to shared commitment to fostering agricultural development, reducing rural poverty and ensuring food security across the country.

“The COSOP framework has been a cornerstone in driving sustainable agricultural transformation in Nigeria.

“Through this partnership and cooperation, we have been able to reach underserved rural communities, empower vulnerable populations and promote resilience in the face of challenges such as climate change, economic fluctuations and insecurity,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Women farmer groups receive grinding machines in Niger
Agriculture

Women farmer groups receive grinding machines in Niger

395 total views today

 

By Rita Iliya

No fewer than 20 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) have received grain processing machines for their outstanding performance in the promotion of agriculture in Niger state.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gesture was facilitated by the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) and the Niger state/Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa(AGRA).

 

VSLAs is mainly women farmer groups, which specialised in raising funds for agric processors.

 

The project is tagged:Improving farmer resilience and upscaling productivity, income and livelihood in rice, maize, soybean, cowpea and vegetable value chains in Niger state.

 

Dr Ken Ukaoha, President of NANTS, said that VSLA had demonstrated exceptional ability in administrative prowess and for putting funds together for the promotion of agric value chain.

 

“Notably, women-dominated VSLA groups emerged as the most outstanding, with women showing exceptional administrative prowess.

 

“We are impressed by the performance of the VSLA groups, and we believe that rewarding them will encourage others to emulate their example,” he said.

 

He noted that the recognition was to boost the morale of the VSLA groups and encourage them to continue their good work.

 

According to him, the project, which started three years ago, had created over 2,000 VSLAs in the state.

 

He commended the state government for providing enabling environment for the project to thrive.

 

In his remarks, Alhaji Musa Bawa-Bosso, Commissioner for Agriculture in Niger, said the state was committed to ensuring that poverty was reduced through job creation for smallholder farmers.

 

Also speaking, Mr Godswill Agwuyi, Programme Officer of AGRA, advised the beneficiaries to utilise the machines and ensure that their cooperatives give birth to another cooperative.

 

Similarly, Alhaji Shehu Galadima, Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Niger, commended the AGRA/Niger consortium project and urged women cooperatives to take advantage of the governor’s agricultural revolution.

 

Mrs Rhoda Tsado, from Victory Corporative, appreciated AGRA for helping to improve their means of livelihood.

 

“Through this project, our cooperatives have been able to save money, and members can borrow and pay back,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

AATF, Bakers train 1,000 cassava farmers, 200 processors
Agriculture

AATF, Bakers train 1,000 cassava farmers, 200 processors

413 total views today

By Felicia Imohimi

The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), in collaboration with the Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN), FCT Chapter, has trained 1,000 cassava farmers and 200 processors in Oyo State.

The group described the training as a huge step toward Nigeria’s goal of integrating High-Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF) into bread making.

Mr Alex Abutu, Communication Officer for West and Central Africa at AATF, stated this in a press release issued in Abuja.

Abutu explained that the initiative aims to enhance cassava utilisation and strengthen the cassava value chain.

“This will be achieved by equipping processors with the skills needed to produce bread and other confectioneries using a blend of HQCF and wheat flour in a 20:80 ratio,” he said.

He noted that the training is part of the Mechanisation of Cassava Production and Processing in Nigeria Project.

“Out of the 200 trained processors, 10 were selected for advanced training as lead trainers. These individuals are now set to cascade their knowledge to others, fostering widespread adoption of the technology.

“Participants at the training included processors from Oyo State project clusters, as well as representatives from Pacific Ring West Africa (PRWA)/GIZ and AATF.

“This initiative forms part of the Mechanisation of Cassava Production and Processing in Nigeria Project, spearheaded by AATF and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ),” Abutu stated.

He further highlighted that the project seeks to address critical challenges faced by cassava farmers, including low yields, high post-harvest losses, and limited access to modern processing technologies.

“By introducing mechanisation, digital tools, and best agronomic practices, the initiative aims to improve efficiency, boost farmers’ incomes, and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s cassava value chain,” he added.

Abutu also identified a robust capacity-building programme as central to the project, targeting 6,000 cassava farmers and 1,000 processors.

“In 2025, the project plans to train 2,000 farmers—1,000 each in Oyo and Ogun States—as well as 200 processors in Ogun and 100 in Oyo.

“The programme will conclude in 2026 with the training of 3,000 farmers and 500 processors, solidifying its impact across the region.”

Abutu emphasised that the initiative highlights Nigeria’s commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and leveraging cassava as a driver of food security and economic growth. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

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