NABG Sensitizes Farmers In S’East On Sustainable Agricultural Practices

In an effort to combat the impending food crisis and drive economic growth, the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG) is actively engaging farmers nationwide in discussions on sustainable agricultural practices. The goal is to enhance productivity and increase income for farmers.

The two-day regional Agribusiness workshop for agricultural stakeholders in southeast, held at Nike lake Enugu, provided farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary to adopt modern and sustainable agricultural policies, that will enable them to operate more efficiently and effectively.

NABG is dedicated to supporting the entire agribusiness value chain, including input and output markets, export markets, equipment, and consumer food manufacturing.

By focusing on these areas, the organization aims to promote growth and development within the agricultural sector, as well as ultimately reduce food insecurity in the country.

During the workshop, Jafa Umar, the Director General of Nigeria Agribusiness Group, (NABG), emphasized the importance of equipping farmers with farming trends and agribusiness policies for agricultural industrialization.

Umar stated that the organization has implemented state-of-the-art technology to guarantee the sustainability of the project through a feedback mechanism..

“The agencies have been working on so many initiatives ranging from policy work to advocacy to capacity building for Nigerian farmers to sensitize them on some of the policies that are important to farmers that, they may not know of or may not be taking advantage of.

“We are working on several policies one of which is the seed policy which anchors on getting the right seeds and support at the initial stage, fertilizer control policy which deals with knowing the right fertilizer to use for a particular farm and when to apply it and where to get it from.

“We are leveraging on technology to ensure that the conversation continues even after the workshop and have put in place a feedback mechanism for farmers and stakeholders and in that way we keep the momentum going.” He concluded.

During his address, the Enugu State Commissioner for Agricultural and Agro-Industrialization, Patrick Nwabueze, underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to transforming the state into the nation’s primary source of food and a key export center for agricultural products.

Nwabueze, while applauding the workshop organizers for their dedication to promoting the growth of agribusiness, conveyed the state’s eagerness to collaborate with agribusiness investors to achieve food self-sufficiency within the state and beyond.

” His excellency Governor Peter Mbah has set the space for investors to come and partner to ensure that farmers are properly trained and equipped with the need knowledge and tools of farming. Governor Mbah has made agriculture a central pillar of his administration.

“At the outset of Governor Mbah’s administration, 300,000 hectares of farmland was acquired for agricultural production, focusing on large-scale commercial farming.

“As at today, we have allocated over 47,000 hectares to private investors for the cultivation of vital crops such as cassava, maize, rice, soybeans, sorghum, oil palm, cashew, and yam; in addition to 115,600 hectares cultivated by our small holder farmers across the state. These and more are efforts designed to expand production and ensure food security.” He noted.

In his speech, Chief Tobiah Iwu of the Imo State Farmers Association identified insecurity and delayed distribution of farm inputs as significant challenges affecting farmers in the Southeast region.

” For effective collaboration between farmers in the southeast region and relevant stakeholders, it is essential to address the issue of insecurity, which plays a critical role in achieving food security.

“Another thing is adhering strictly to our farming calendar is imperative as planting early leads to greater results. Timely support and assistance from the government and other agencies can significantly enhance crop yield. It is crucial for farm inputs to be provided early in the season to maximize productivity.” He appealed.

The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Ebonyi State chapter, Dr. Ignatius Onah, emphasized the importance of the training in equipping Nigerian farmers with internationally recognized farming practices to improve the exportation of local agricultural products.

“The sensitization plays a crucial role in empowering farmers and enhancing the export potential of Nigerian agricultural products. It also demonstrates the government’s commitment to boosting agriculture. The training exposed us to better ways of packaging our agricultural products in a manner that is appealing to international markets. In Ebonyi state, the government has made significant efforts in providing farmers with essential inputs and seedlings, leading us to anticipate a successful harvest this year.” The end.

The project is one of the various initiatives supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation to tackle the food crisis in Nigeria and Africa at large.