News Agency of Nigeria
NCF distributes improved seeds to Yobe farmers
Agriculture

NCF distributes improved seeds to Yobe farmers

By Ahmed Abba

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) on Tuesday in Nguru distributed improved crop seeds to farmers in Maja-kura community and announced plans to establish a seed bank.

Mr Harry Junior, Coordinator of the NCF Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands Conservation Project, said the activity was part of a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-supported climate change adaptation initiative in Yobe.

He said the improved seeds, including soybean, cowpeas, sorghum and millet, would be stored in the seed bank since the planting season was over, to ensure future access for farmers during subsequent farming seasons.

“The initiative will also serve as an exchange, where farmers provide crop residues after harvest in return for seedlings.

“The residues will then be processed into animal feed and packaged, creating additional income for communities,” Junior explained.

He said that youths would be trained and engaged in processing the animal feeds, while women would benefit from packaging and sales to strengthen household income.

The coordinator added that the project sought to promote empowerment, skill acquisition and sustainable income generation for farmers, while addressing youth restiveness and reducing women’s redundancy.

Also speaking, Dr Michael Nkereuwem, a resource person and senior lecturer at the Department of Crop/Soil Science, Federal University Dutse, took the beneficiaries through the advantages of improved seeds for climate change adaptation.

Nkereuwem also explained planting methods, benefits and maturity duration of improved seeds to the beneficiaries.

Key stakeholders present at the event include officials from Yobe’s Ministry of Agriculture, Nguru Local Government Area, Yobe Ministry of Environment and traditional leaders of the beneficiary communities.

In his remarks, Al-amin Umar, the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Nguru Local Government Area, expressed satisfaction with the quality of seeds distributed to the farmers.

He said the improved varieties were free from pests and diseases, adding that farmers had also been trained on appropriate planting methods, including the number of seeds per hole and proper spacing.

“I am very impressed with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation. They have lived up to their promise to support multiple communities in Nguru Local Government,” Umar said. (NAN)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Soil Values project trains 50 extension agents, lead farmers in Bauchi
Agriculture

Soil Values project trains 50 extension agents, lead farmers in Bauchi

By Ahmed Kaigama

International Fertiliser Development Corporation (IFDC), has begun the training of 50 extension agents and lead farmers on soil restoration, conservation techniques and integrated soil fertility management in Bauchi State.

The two-day training exercise is being implemented under the IFDC Soil Values Programme, aims to improve soil fertility and restore degraded lands in the state, the development comes on the heels of a similar exercise held in Kano and Jigawa.

The Soil Values programme operates in a context marked by climatic and socio-economic challenges facing Sahelian countries, such as recurrent droughts, socio-political conflicts. desertification and the effects of climate change.

The programme’s initiative is built around three intervention pathways (Agroecology, Inclusive Markets and Enabling Environment) as well as five intervention areas: Bundling, Integration, Brokering, Convening and Scoping & Learning.

It aims to improve soil fertility and productivity of two million hectares of agricultural land in the Sahel, while strengthening the resilience and wellbeing of 1.5 million farmers, with a particular focus on women and youth.

Medina Ayuba-Fagbemi, Country Coordinator, Soil Values Programme Nigeria, said this on the sidelines of the training exercise, on Thursday in Bauchi.

She said that 30 extension agents would be trained under the first phase while 20 others under the second phase of the exercise.

Medina said participants would be exposed to integrated soil fertility and soil health management techniques, to boost crop production and enhance food security.

The coordinator said the participants were expected to step down the skills to about 20,000 small holder farmers in Jama’are, Shira, Itas Gadau, Toro, Zaki, Bauchi and Gamawa Local Government Areas of the state.

Medina Ayuba-Fagbemi, Country Coordinator, Soil Values Programme Nigeria

According to Medina, the programme in collaboration with a consortium of partners is building the capacity of extension workers in Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM), and Soil Health Management (SHM) technologies.

Medina said the training exercise reflected its collective commitment towards restoring soil health, improving productivity, and building resilient farming systems.

The training exercise, she said, would not only strengthen extension agents’ technical capacity but also inspire new approaches to working hand-in-hand with farmers for more sustainable and inclusive agricultural transformation.

She said the training is part of a 10-year initiative funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands through its (Dutch) Directorate-General for International Cooperation (DGIS).

Also, Joshua Arogunyo, MELS Coordinator, Soil Values Programme, said the programme focused on enhancing farmer skills in integrated soil health management and soil water conservation, to encourage agro-ecological practices to mitigate impact of climate change in agriculture.

He said the programme initiated viable programmes to improve soil fertility management and restore degraded lands in Bauchi, Kano and Jigawa, adding the scope of the programme would cover 10 states in northern Nigeria.

Arogunyo explained that the programme is being implemented by three core partners including the IFDC, SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, and Wageningen University and Research (WUR).

He added that the programme also has five knowledge partners, including the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), AGRA, ICRAF, ISRIC and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

According to Arogunyo, the €100 million programme, is aimed at restoring degraded lands across the Sahel, covering Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, and reaching 1.5 million smallholder farmers.

“Our target is to restore two million hectares of degraded land across the Sahel. In Nigeria, we hope to restore 800,000 hectares, directly benefiting 600,000 smallholder farmers.

“The thrust of the programme is to reduce the yield gap, improve soil fertility, and make farmers more deliberate about giving back to the soil to ensure long-term productivity and food security,” he said.

He highlighted that Soil Values initiative is built around five intervention pathways: bundling agricultural technologies for smallholder farmers; promoting landscape-level soil restoration, brokering financial instruments to support farmers, facilitating stakeholder policy on soil fertility, and continuous scoping and learning.

According to him, the programme has so far taken off in Kano, Jigawa and Bauchi States as pilot areas, with plans to expand gradually to other states in northern Nigeria.

“We are implementing it across the Sahelian zone of Nigeria because that is where land degradation is most severe,” he said.

Arogunyo further explained that the Soil Values consortium is also collaborating with the World Bank through ACReSAL and L-PRES.

“It is our hope that at the end of this programme, Nigeria would have made significant progress in restoring degraded lands, increasing farmer incomes, and raising consciousness about the importance of investing in soil health in a sustainable manner,” he said.

Some of the participants, Aliyu Safiyanu and Helen Ciroma, lauded the gesture, adding it would encourage Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in the state.

Safiyanu said that he learnt new skills that would enable him to teach rural farmers on how to utilise farm by-products to nourish their farmlands.

On her part, Ciroma said the new techniques would enable women farmers to improve their soil fertility and increase productivity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

MAK/RSA
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Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Food for Lagos project ‘ll make Kogi farmers richer – Commissioner
Agriculture

Food for Lagos project ‘ll make Kogi farmers richer – Commissioner

By Thompson Yamput

The Kogi  Government says the Food for Lagos partnership  between it  and Lagos state would further enrich its farmers.

The state also reiterated  commitment to transforming its agricultural sector and improving livelihood of farmers through the partnership,  aimed at creating a robust food supply chain between Kogi and Lagos state.

This is contained  in a statement on  Thursday by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr  Kingsley Fanwo, who highlighted the strategic steps already taken to actualise the economic potential of the initiative.

Fanwo said that Gov.  Ahmed Ododo has begun implementing concrete measures to boost food production, improve infrastructure, and attract high-value investments into the state’s agricultural sector, less than two weeks after signing the agreement.

“The governor didn’t just go there to sign papers. He had since returned home to roll up his sleeves and make the partnership a huge success.

“With the governor’s efforts, Kogi farmers will earn more from their agricultural produce,” he said.

He revealed that the state Ministry of Agriculture had already mapped out key areas with comparative advantages for specific crops, ensuring that each region contributed meaningfully to the value chain.

Kogi, he said, is already a leading producer of cassava in Nigeria and West Africa, and the administration is working hard to dominate other areas of food production.

“We are not just talking about being the food basket of the nation, we are taking real steps to become one,” he said.

He lauded Ododo as a visionary leader, who  from the outset of his administration, placed agriculture at the center of his development agenda.

“During his campaigns and in his inaugural speech, Ododo  emphasised the need for Kogi to be self-sufficient in food production. Today, he is fulfilling that promise.”

Fanwo also highlighted major government-backed programmes such as RAAMP (Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project), which is facilitating the rehabilitation of rural roads to improve access to markets.

He said that ACReSAL (Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes), also supported by the state government, is channeling investments into rural farming communities.

“Agriculture in Kogi is receiving the biggest attention it has ever received.

“Our youth and women from Ibaji to Gegu and Egbe are now fully involved in the agricultural revival sweeping across the state.”

He noted that the state’s growing success in combating rural insecurity has contributed to increased farming activity and boosted confidence among local farmers.

The information commissioner said that the Food for Lagos Project is a game-changer, not only for food supply in Nigeria’s largest city but also for wealth creation and economic empowerment in Kogi.

“With sustained implementation, this partnership will make Kogi farmers richer and the state stronger economically,”  Fanwo added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Lagos state government on July 23, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the governors of Niger, Taraba, Kogi, and Ogun.

The MOU was signed during the launch of the N500 billion ‘Produce for Lagos’ initiative of the state.

The food for Lagos initiative was aimed at  strengthening food supply chains and tackling rising food costs.

The agreement formalised  an  inter-state collaboration on agricultural production, logistics, and market access to ensure consistent food availability in Lagos state. (NAN)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Dangote Cement empowers 50 farmers for agro-business
Agriculture

Dangote Cement empowers 50 farmers for agro-business

The Dangote Cement has launched a Farmers Empowerment Programme (FEP) in Benue to support the government’s food security efforts.

The initiative is aimed at enabling 50 farmers to produce subsistence and cash crops in commercial quantity from Benue, which is considered to be the food basket of the nation.

The programme is coming barely two months after the company empowered businesswomen in Gboko with cash grants, thus deepening business activities in the State.

Earlier, the company had increased bursary payments to students of host communities by more than 100 per cent.

Speaking on Thursday at the launch of the programme, General Manager Social Performance, Johnson Kor, described the programme as ‘historic and innovative.’

He said the beneficiaries were selected from the company’s host communities of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue.

According to him, the beneficiaries were carefully selected from the six catchment areas of the Local Government.

Kor said that the projects have been earmarked for the communities as captured in the extant Community Development Agreement (CDA), adding that the contents of the CDA are progressively being executed.

“Today we are witnessing an historic occasion in our journey of mutual development. Farmers Empowerment Programme is the first programme to be launched since we signed the CDA with the immediate host communities in December 2024,” he said.

In his speech, Plant Director, Dangote Cement, Gboko Plant, Munusamy Murugan, said the company would also support farmers with fertilizers, Agro chemicals, Knapsack Sprayers and various types of seedlings.

Murugan, who was represented by Head of Production Department, Soom Kiishi, said: “This is the first batch but certainly just the beginning, and certainly not the end. We plan it to be an annual event, but the choice of the Farmers programme may change, depending on the choice of the benefiting communities.”

He said other economic empowerment programmes are lined up in the coming weeks.

“The Youth Empowerment Programme will soon be launched, and selected beneficiaries will receive training in Welding & Fabrication, and Solar Electrical Installation from professional personnel,” he added.

He said that the company’s scholarship scheme cuts across students from various disciplines and tertiary institutions.

 

A Consultant from Abbass Corporate Services, Dr Ahemen Samuel, advised the beneficiaries to make use of the rare opportunity from the Dangote Cement Plc.

The Consultant said the company’s effort would help transform beneficiaries into entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector and enable them to support the government’s food security effort.

Responding, a member of the community, Kwaghgba Isaac, described the FEP as a historic and huge intervention from the company, noting that the effort would not boost subsistence farming and help feed the nation.

He urged members of the communities to sustain the peaceful coexistence currently being enjoyed with the company.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Organic food: Farmers seek FG support on markets, chemical use
Food Security

Organic food: Farmers seek FG support on markets, chemical use

By Daniel Obaje

Experts in the agriculture sector have urged the Federal Government to prioritise organic farming and reduce reliance on hazardous agrochemicals, which threatens public health and limit Nigeria’s access to international markets.

 

They made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Karshi, Abuja during a visit to organic farms as part of a field report on sustainable agricultural practices.

 

Mr Adams Peter, Managing Director of Amadam’s Organic Agricultural Company, said Nigeria’s overdependence on chemical-based farming has become a major barrier to global trade.

 

“Our food exports are being rejected in many countries because they are not organic and are contaminated by chemicals,”

 

He explained that most farmers lack proper training on the safe use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers which leads to misuse and unsafe residue levels in food.

 

Peter, whose company has been operating since 2001, said his organisation is focused on organic farming because of its multiple benefits to health, environment and the economy.

 

“Organic agriculture is not only safer for consumers; it also nourishes the soil and protects the ecosystem.

 

“It creates employment, especially for Nigerians and can improve household income.”

 

He noted that in spite of growing awareness about food safety, organic food remains largely inaccessible in many urban centres.

 

“We hardly find organic vegetables or foodstuff in Abuja markets, that is why we are working with our network to set up dedicated organic food markets across the FCT.

 

“Government support for organic farming is still very low. If we’re serious about improving food quality and boosting exports, we must invest in organic agriculture,” he said.

 

Also speaking, Mr Donald Ikenna, Lead Coordinator of the Alliance for Action on Pesticide in Nigeria, warned about the growing use of highly hazardous chemicals in the country’s food production system.

 

“More than 40 per cent of the chemicals used by farmers in Nigeria are classified as highly hazardous, this puts both farmers and consumers at serious risk.”

 

Ikenna said the widespread use of such chemicals has been linked to an increase in cancer, kidney failure and other chronic diseases.

 

“People are falling ill from what they eat and the economy is also suffering as we lose billions to rejected food exports.”

 

He stressed the need for a national shift to safer and science-backed alternatives, including biopesticides, organic fertilizers and agroecological practices.

 

He called on state governments and lawmakers to ensure constituency projects support organic farming initiatives at the grassroots.

 

“We have the local capacity to produce organic farm inputs in Nigeria. What we need is investment, training and strong political will.

 

“We must stop pumping money into harmful chemicals and start building systems that promote health, sustainability and long-term food security.”

 

NAN reports that organic and agroecological farming is gaining momentum globally as a safer, climate-friendly alternative to conventional agricultural practices.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Adopt organic farming to produce healthy food – FG tells farmers
Agriculture

Adopt organic farming to produce healthy food – FG tells farmers

By Patricia Amogu

The Federal Government has urged small and large scale farmers to adopt organic farming to produce healthy food.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, made the call in Abuja, during the election of executive members of Organic Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (OFPSAN).

Ogunbiyi, who was represented by Director, Farm Inputs Support Services Department, Mr Abana Abba, said food security and quality would only be achieved through healthy farming systems.

He stressed the need for cooperation among members of the association and urged them to support the government’s initiatives aimed at ensuring food security in the country.

“The food security aspect of the nation is paramount, and this administration always emphasises that.

“Being the regulator of the fertiliser sector we always try to ensure that quality is not compromised,’’ he said.

Alhaji Adams Musa, the incoming president of the association said the new leadership was committed to ensuring stronger structural and organisational reforms.

This, he said, would ensure professionalism, transparency and sustainable growth of the group.

“We will focus on deepening our engagement with the government and international partners to elevate organic agriculture as a key driver of food security in Nigeria.

“This is not a one-man journey. I invite every one of you, stakeholders, producers, suppliers and partners to come on board with renewed passion.

“Let us challenge the status quo, let us innovate, and let us grow. Together we can; and will make organic farming practices not just a dream but a national standard,” he said

Mr Isiaku Buba, National Project Coordinator, National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-pocket (NAGs-AP) tasked the association to help in finding solutions to challenges facing organic farming in the country.

He said one of such challenges was limited access to quality organic fertiliser.

“The quality of the product is very important because farmers ask a lot of questions and are always not sure of the quality of the fertilisers,

“There must be quality control mechanisms that will give them confidence and enhance their harvest.

“Worldwide people are clamouring for organically produced food, especially vegetables; all eyes are on the organic food systems to meet required standards both in quality and quantity,’’ he said.

Chief Okabirihedike Martin-Ihesie, Chairman Board of Trustees, OFPSAN, pledged the support of the board to the new executive.

“Let us unite for a stronger and firmer body that will ensure that Nigeria is placed on the map as one of the countries with the healthiest population,’’ he added. (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

IFAD-VCDP train farmers on climate-smart agriculture
Agriculture

IFAD-VCDP train farmers on climate-smart agriculture

By Felicia Imohimi

The International Fund for Agricultural Development-Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD-VCDP) has trained field staff, farmers, and processors in VCDP states on downscaling seasonal predictions and adopting climate-smart agriculture.

The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) provided the 2025 seasonal climate predictions.

The training, which held in Nasarawa on Wednesday, covered Anambra, Benue, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, and Taraba states.

Speaking at the Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop, Mr Nura Lawal, Climate Change Specialist at IFAD-VCDP, said the training would equip farmers with climate-smart practices to mitigate the effects of weather variability.

Lawal stated that the programme would also update farmers on the latest agricultural technologies and equipment.

“The training covers soil management, crop rotation, pest and disease control, and efficient irrigation methods to help farmers adapt to climate change,” he said.

He explained that the pre-season training aimed to prepare extension agents and processors to guide farmers in adopting best practices throughout 2025.

“The training provides farmers with weather and climate advisory services, essential for effective planning,” he added.

Lawal noted that IFAD-VCDP’s collaboration with NiMet ensures farmers receive accurate climate information to support sustainable farming.

“At the end of the workshop, each state will develop a cropping calendar outlining on-farm and off-farm activities.

“With unpredictable weather patterns, many farmers face significant risks. This information will help them mitigate potential losses,” he said.

Ahmad Aboki, Principal Meteorologist at NiMet, presented the 2025 seasonal climate forecast.

He said the growing season in Karu Local Government Area is expected to last between 155 and 177 days, ending between Oct. 17 and 26.

“In Doma LGA, rainfall is expected to start on May 1, while in Nasarawa Egon, Lafia, and Keffi, it will commence between May 6 and 21,” he said.

He also highlighted dry spell predictions, noting that between April and June, Oyo State may experience a severe dry spell lasting over 15 days.

“While Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, and Abia may see moderate dry spells of up to 15 days, between June and August, Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom may experience severe dry spells lasting up to 21 days”.

Aboki emphasised NiMet’s role in providing accurate weather and climate data for economic development, disaster preparedness, and early warning systems.

He reaffirmed NiMet’s ongoing partnership with IFAD-VCDP to improve crop yields and farming systems through climate adaptation.

Mustapha Baba’aji, Principal Meteorologist, noted the increasing impact of climate change in Nigeria, including extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves.

“Farmers are increasingly concerned about unpredictable rainy seasons, flooding, and damage to infrastructure and ecosystems,” he said.

Susan Akaaga, a rice farmer and processor from Benue, praised the training for providing valuable insights into weather patterns and optimal planting times.

“This training has helped me understand when to plant for better yields,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Tosin Kolade

NALDA pledges support for displaced farmers
Agriculture

NALDA pledges support for displaced farmers

By Felicia Imohimi

The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has pledged to help farmers displaced by farmer-herder conflicts and land encroachment regain their livelihoods and improve food security.

The Executive Secretary of NALDA, Cornelius Adebayo, made this commitment during an interactive session with journalists on Tuesday in Abuja.

He stated that the initiative would be achieved through the organisation’s project tagged ‘Renewed Hope Restoration’.

Adebayo revealed that over 3.5 million farmers have been displaced across the country as a result of conflicts, encroachment, and other security challenges.

He explained that, through the project, farmers would be grouped into clusters and provided with the necessary inputs, technologies, and support to boost production and increase their income.

“To address recurring farmer-herder conflicts, land encroachment, and security challenges, NALDA is introducing the Renewed Hope Farm Settlements, where smallholder farmers will be clustered in designated areas.

“These settlements will provide farmers with essential inputs, security, and training, while also reducing logistics and monitoring costs.

“By clustering farmers, we ensure their protection, enhance monitoring, and create a more structured agricultural system.   

“Our role at NALDA is not to cultivate but to facilitate an environment where agriculture thrives as a profitable business.

“The goal of the restoration project is to enable displaced individuals to thrive, not just survive.

“This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s food security and economy,” he said.

He added that the project could have a lasting impact on those affected by lowering production costs.

Adebayo, who identified the organisation’s main projects as four in total, said they were designed to boost food and aquaculture production, promote self-sufficiency, and reduce import costs.

He listed other projects, including greenhouse farming and the Aqua Hopeinitiative, among others.

The executive secretary also highlighted Nigeria’s deficit in food and fish supply.

“We are still importing over a million tonnes of fish annually while producing less than 300,000 tonnes.

“We aim to encourage women and youth in coastal and riverine areas to engage in aquaculture, particularly tilapia and catfish farming.

“NALDA will develop fish clusters featuring earth ponds, cage farms, processing centres, packaging hubs, and cold storage facilities.

“This model will create hundreds of entrepreneurs and enhance Nigeria’s capacity for fish export, reducing reliance on imported tilapia.

“Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom have limited arable land, and NALDA will expand its focus on aquaculture in those states”. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade 

Farmer/herder clashes: Lawmaker seeks implementation of extant laws on ranching
Agriculture

Farmer/herder clashes: Lawmaker seeks implementation of extant laws on ranching

By Ikenna Osuoha

A member of House of Representatives, Nnamdi Ezechi, has advocated for strict implementation of extant laws prohibiting open grazing in the states.

Ezechi stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja while reacting to the recent killing of a member of a vigilance group in his constituency, Mr Ogonegbu Chukwunomnazu.

The lawmaker, representing Ndokwa East/Ndokwa West and Ukwuani in the lower legislative chamber, while condemning the killing, reiterated the imperatives of implementing extant laws on open grazing by states.

He urged the Inspector-General of Police to help fish out the killers of his constituents and bring them to justice.

“I call on the I-GP to rise up to the occasion by apprehending those behind the killing of the vigilante member.

“I also expect the police and other security agencies to help implement laws by various states, including Delta, that prohibit open grazing and provide for cattle ranching,” he said.

According to him, it is wrong for people to cause disadvantage to others with their own businesses.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lawmaker had earlier raised the matter through a motion of urgent national importance on the floor of the house.

NAN also reports that the Speaker, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, had also called on the inspector-general of police and other security agencies to swing into action on the matter. (NAN) 

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

IFAD-SAPZ empowers 1,009 farmers in Kano
Agriculture , Food Security

IFAD-SAPZ empowers 1,009 farmers in Kano

By Felicia Imohimi

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme has empowered no fewer than 505 rice farmers and 504 tomato farmers in Kano.

Dr Kabir Yusuf, National Programme Coordinator of SAPZ, said this in a statement on Monday following the ongoing Field Day activity in Kano.

He stated that the activity aimed to connect smallholder farmers to viable markets and was a crucial step towards reducing post-harvest losses and increasing farmers’ incomes.

He noted that the lack of reliable buyers has long caused losses for tomato farmers, stressing that SAPZ’s core goal is to ensure market access.

“However, through a series of training sessions on Good Agronomic Practices (GAP) and the provision of a full package of inputs, SAPZ is equipping farmers with the necessary tools to improve productivity and profitability.

“As part of our commitment to agricultural development, this partnership will ensure that farmers not only produce but also have access to guaranteed markets for their produce.

“Transformative impact on farmers under the IFAD-SAPZ pilot scheme is 1,009 farmers, specifically 505 rice farmers and 504 tomato farmers, have benefited from the programme”.

Yusuf said the initiative is being piloted in Kura and Bagwai LGAs, aiming to reach 14,000 farmers across 16 LGAs in Kano.

He said the first phase of SAPZ is underway in eight states, including Kano and FCT, with more to be added in the second phase.

Mr Isah Ibrahim, a tomato farmer from Watari Cluster in Bagwai LGA and one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude for the programme, calling it a “turning point” for tomato farmers.

“Before now, we never fully understood that farming is a business. But with the training and support from SAPZ, we now approach farming differently.

“In the past, I harvested between six and seven times per hectare, but with the improved practices introduced by SAPZ, I am now on my second harvest and anticipate up to ten additional harvests.

“Efficient use of agricultural inputs has significantly boosted my yields,” he said.

Ibrahim said SAPZ has tackled market access issues by linking tomato farmers with off-takers who buy at favourable prices.

He appreciated the programme, adding that buyers now come directly to their farms to purchase tomatoes at considerable prices.

Rice farmer Mallama Hafsat thanked SAPZ, IFAD, and the Kano government for support that led to a bumper harvest.

Speaking on the impact of the initiative, Hafsat acknowledged that, prior to SAPZ’s intervention, traditional farming methods yielded poor results.

She stated that with training on good agronomic practices and access to critical farm inputs, her farming experience had been significantly transformed.

“Before SAPZ came in, our old ways of farming did not favour us, but now, we have been trained in modern techniques, such as nursery preparation before transplanting and proper spacing of rice plants. These have greatly improved our yield.

“My personal achievement through the improved harvest is that I was able to finance my daughter’s wedding, even after the death of my husband”. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

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