BY: AYO AGBEOLUWAYE
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has flagged off the distribution of processing and post-harvest equipment to the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) – supported farmers and agribusiness groups in Nasarawa State.
Speaking during the flag off of Distribution ceremony which is part of a Two Days Working Visit to Lafia in Nasarawa State, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari said that the intervention would add value, reduce post-harvest loss, empower women and youth farmers, encourage competitiveness and boost productivity
Sen Kyari stated the equipment would also support enterprise growth, deepen market participation, and expand opportunities for rural employment.
He revealed that the programme, implemented with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), aims to address structural constraints in the rice and cassava value chains through integrated investments in production, aggregation, processing, infrastructure, market access, and institutional strengthening as well as align with the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP).
In his remarks,Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule stated that the state government has align its agricultural programmes in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the sector which is geared toward economic diversification and creation of wealth for Nigeria farmers.
He added that the reforms in the agriculture sector would empower youth and women farmers in the state and also ensured increase in production and locally generated revenue.
In her welcome address, the National Programme Coordinator, FGN/IFAD – Value Chain Development Programme, Dr. Fatima Aliyu stated that the programme would assists rice and cassava smallholder farmers through a value chain approach to enhance productivity, promote agro processing and increased access to markets.
She added that the initiative would transform the agricultural sector of rural Nigeria by achieving food security, increasing incomes and creating new employment opportunities.
