Daud Olatunji
In a significant move to bolster agricultural productivity and reduce poverty, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, has expanded its training and empowerment program.
This initiative, part of the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy, aims to support 5,000 additional smallholder crop and poultry farmers across Nigeria’s 109 Senatorial Districts.
The empowerment program, which took place on Tuesday, May 15, 2024, provided essential production inputs to over 5,000 smallholder farmers.
The distribution was carried out simultaneously across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Beneficiaries received various inputs including Day Old Chicks, poultry feeds, Power Tillers, Knapsack Sprayers, herbicides, organic fertilizers, and maize seeds.
Additionally, cash support was given to help farmers kick-start their operations.
For poultry farmers, the package included Day Old Chicks, feeds, and cash support aimed at raising broiler chickens to market weight.
Crop farmers were provided with Power Tillers, Knapsack Sprayers, agricultural chemicals, and maize seeds, all essential for boosting productivity during the wet season.
Dr. Deola Lordbanjou, the Federal Director of Agricultural Extension Services, speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Tope Peter Fashedemi, emphasized the programme’s goal to lift smallholder crop and poultry farmers out of poverty.
He highlighted that the training focused on modern techniques for broiler chicken rearing and aimed to increase farmers’ interest in poultry production as a profitable enterprise.
Additionally, the support for crop farmers was designed to enhance their productivity through the use of advanced agricultural inputs.
“The inputs provided are meant to encourage sustainable agricultural production, recognizing the profitability of engaging in such businesses,” Dr. Lordbanjou stated.
He underscored the importance of equipping farmers with the necessary tools and knowledge to ensure long-term success and economic stability.
Dr. Felix Okonkwo, the Director of the Macro Economic Policy Department at the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, also addressed the beneficiaries.
He advised the 1,110 poultry farmers and over 4,000 crop farmers to view farming as a viable business capable of providing sustained income for their families.
Dr. Okonkwo assured the farmers that the Ministry would continuously monitor the program’s impact on their lives, with a view to offering further support and interventions as needed.
This initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering agricultural growth and reducing poverty by empowering smallholder farmers with the necessary resources and training.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Ministry of Budget and National Planning aims to create a more productive and prosperous agricultural sector in Nigeria.
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