News in brief:
– Niger State plans to distribute 12,000 banana suckers to 3,000 households in Bosso, Chanchaga, and Paikoro.
– The initiative aims to enhance food security, improve nutrition, and boost economic growth through sustainable agriculture.
The Niger State government recently announced that it will distribute 12,000 banana suckers to 3,000 farming households across three local government areas —Bosso, Chanchaga, and Paikoro— to help bolster the state’s agricultural sector. This initiative is part of the state’s pioneering Green Economy Initiative, aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing food security.
Collaborative effort for sustainable agriculture
The project, a collaborative effort between the Niger State government and the Niger Food’s One Hectare, One Family Project, aims to provide one million banana seedlings to farmers across the state eventually. Dr. Mathew Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the ambitious nature of this project during a recent strategic meeting.
The initiative will be launched by the Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, alongside the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Salihu Musa Bawa Bosso. Designed to provide farmers with market-friendly banana seedlings, this project aims to enhance food and nutrition security at the household level.
Steps towards state-wide distribution
To ensure the project’s success, a 15-member committee has been established to develop the implementation modalities. As more banana seedlings become available, the program will expand to include other local government areas within the state. The ultimate goal is to reach 250,000 families, significantly improving their nutrition and economic well-being.
This project is expected to have far-reaching benefits. By providing high-yielding banana seedlings, the initiative will not only improve food security but also create economic opportunities. Farmers will be able to sell banana fruits to off-takers, which will support the establishment of factories for value chain enhancement and addition. This move is poised to contribute significantly to the state’s economic growth.
