Expert Urges States, LGs to Emulate FG’s Agric Support Programme 

Prof. Yusuf Idrisa, the President of the Agricultural Extension Society of Nigeria, has urged states and local government councils to emulate the Federal Government’s agriculture support programme to eradicate poverty and enhance food security. 

Idrisa made the call during the training and empowerment of 243 farmers under the National Poverty Reduction with Growths Strategy on Wednesday in Maiduguri.

The programme was being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, FMAFS, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning.

According to Idrisa, effective utilisation of agriculture will encourage productivity, empower the people, and enhance wealth creation in Society.

He enjoined the beneficiaries to learn the skills and utilise the inputs to enable them to boost their productivity.

Mr Temitope Peter, the Permanent Secretary of the FMAFS, said the initiative was designed to uplift the lives of smallholder farmers and foster sustainable agricultural practices.

Represented by Ya’u Damagum, the coordinator of the FMAFS in charge of Borno, Peter urged the beneficiaries to use the opportunity to build their future and contribute to national growth.

“This programme is not merely an investment in agriculture, it’s is an investment in the future of our nation.

“As we equip these farmers with tools to enhance productivity, improve resilience, and embrace sustainable practice, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector, ” he said.

Some of the beneficiaries lauded the gesture, adding that it would encourage productivity.

Mr Mohammed Yakubu and Ogwu Peace, who received training in poultry, promised to utilise the skills learnt to improve their production output.

Highlight of the event included distribution of inputs to 175 crop farmers, 40 poultry farmers, and 28 fish farmers.

NAN/Shakirat Sadiq