News in Brief:
– Nigeria’s agriculture and budget ministries jointly empowered 250 smallholder farmers in Abuja with inputs to boost their productivity and achieve food security.
– The initiative, aligned with the president’s Renewed Hope agenda, aims to address poverty and support farmers with essential resources and training
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning (FMBNP), has empowered 250 vulnerable smallholder farmers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with agricultural inputs.
In its announcement, the agriculture ministry revealed that the action aims to enhance food productivity, while also tackling poverty at its roots. The program falls under the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) and it is in alignment with the administrationâs food productivity Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at the training and distribution event, Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension Service, Michael Brooks, noted the crucial role of smallholder farmers. Brooks, who represented the Permanent Secretary of the FMAFS, stated that farmers, who are the backbone of the agricultural sector and the heartbeat of national prosperity, are placed on the front burner under this program.
Meantime, the training and empowerment program provides participating farmers with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to thrive in the agricultural sector. This includes practical skills, tools, and resources to enhance productivity, improve resilience, and embrace sustainable practices.
Furthermore, the extension services director noted the importance of the initiative as it ensures that smallholder farmers have the support they need.â
Ultimately, the distributed agricultural inputs aim to boost the farmers’ productivity and were provided free of charge. The event also encouraged Nigerians to consider backyard farming as a means to further alleviate food scarcity.
Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the program. They pledged to use the inputs judiciously to improve their agricultural activities and contribute to national food security.
