News in brief:
-Â Nigeria has launched the 2024 dry season farming input distribution program for WACOT Rice Limited’s outgrower farmers in Kebbi State, aiming to enhance smallholder farmers’ livelihoods through access to resources, training, and market opportunities.
– The agriculture minister commended the company for empowering farmers, aligning with national development goals and expressing the government’s support.
The Nigerian Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has officially launched the 2024 dry season farming input distribution program for WACOT Rice Limited’s outgrower farmers in Argungu, Kebbi State.
This initiative aims to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers by providing them with essential resources and training, ultimately contributing to national food security goals. It offers participating farmers access to Agric-input financing, capacity building, and market access.
During the launch event, Minister Kyari inspected WACOT Rice’s state-of-the-art 250,000-ton rice mill, scheduled to be inaugurated later this year. He expressed his satisfaction with the program, acknowledging its potential to significantly boost farmers’ productivity and income.
Kyari commended WACOT Rice and its parent company, Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group, for their dedication to empowering farmers across various agricultural value chains throughout Nigeria. He also highlighted TGI’s substantial investments in agriculture and other sectors, emphasizing their alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda for national development.
The minister pledged the government’s support for initiatives like WACOT Rice’s outgrower program, recognizing their role in creating jobs, improving livelihoods, and enhancing food security. He also revealed plans to explore the possibility of allocating farmland to WACOT Rice to further strengthen its agricultural capabilities.
Meantime, Farouk Gumel, Chairman of WACOT Rice and Vice Chairman (Africa) of TGI Group, reiterated the company’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s food security goals. He emphasised the program’s inclusivity, ensuring that farmers of all demographics have access to the necessary resources and training to succeed.
Gumel expressed his gratitude for the support of the local community, acknowledging their role in the project’s success. He also encouraged other investors to follow suit and invest in similar initiatives to unlock Nigeria’s agricultural potential.
