The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget and National Planning has empowered some farmers in Borno State with training and inputs under the National Poverty Reduction with Growths Strategy (NPRGS).
Speaking at the programme in Maiduguri on Wednesday, the Permanent Secretary of FMAFS, Mr Temitope Peter Fadeshemi, said the initiative was to uplift the lives of rural farmers and foster sustainable agricultural practices.
Fadeshemi who was represented by the Borno Coordinator of the ministry, Mr Yau Damagum, urged beneficiaries to use the opportunity in building their future and contribute to national growth.
“This programme is not merely an investment in agriculture; it is an investment in the future of our nation.
“As we equip these farmers with tools to enhance productivity, improve resilience, and embrace sustainable practice, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector, ” Fadeshemi said.
Also speaking, a University Don in the Department of Agriculture from University of Maiduguri, Prof. Yusuf Idrisa urged states and local governments to emulate the Federal Government initiative to fight poverty through agriculture.
Idrisa said using agriculture is the best approach to get a community out of poverty.
“Agriculture has multiplier effects. If you empower someone through agriculture, the value chain is endless.
“Its the best way to get us out of poverty, insecurity, and the best way to generate employment and income among the people.”
He urged beneficiaries to count themselves lucky and take the training and support provided to them seriously for maximum benefit.
Also in his remarks, the Director Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Service, represented by Bature Mati, urged beneficiaries to make good use of the knowledge acquired at the training with the inputs provided for maximum benefit.
He said some cash support would also be provided to them under the programme.
Some beneficiaries who spoke at the occasion, including Mohammed Yakubu, a farmer, and Ogwu Peace trained in poultry, lauded the intervention and promised to make good use of the opportunity given to them in form of training and inputs.
Highlight of the occasion is the presentation of inputs to 175 crop farmers, 40 poultry farmers and 28 fish farmers.
