The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) says it will collaborate with the Federal College of Horticulture Dadin, Kowa in Gombe state northeast Nigeria to engage 400 youth in dry season farming under its National Young farmers scheme.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, Prince Paul Ikonne, who made the disclosure while on a visit to the institution, also said that the Authority has commenced the process of reviving its 300 hectares of farmland in the State.
Prince Ikonne said the youths will be empowered by the authority to engage in dry season farming as part of efforts to ensure the country attain food security.
According to him, the 300 hectares of land which is NALDA’s abandoned farm estate will be reactivated as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari adding that the college is also donating additional 100 hectares as part of their commitment to the partnership making a total of 400 hectares.
Prince Ikonne said all facilities that were left to decay in the farm will be revived and put into use to achieve President Muhammadu Buhari’s food security plan and also create wealth.
According to him, the agricultural sector was part of the government’s agenda and initiative towards achieving a bumper harvest to boost food security and create wealth and employment to unemployed youth in the Country.
“NALDA wants to partner with farmers in Gombe State to achieve the desire of Mr. President for Nigeria to farm what it will eat. So the essence of our visit today is to extend our hands of partnership and collaboration in order to give our farmers a sense of belonging. To give them all the necessary support so that our output will be desirable”
On land preparation, Ikonne said NALDA would commence preparation of the land, based on the Authority Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the College of Horticulture, adding that NALDA would provide the fund and off takers to buy off the produce and process.
“We have a wealth of knowledge and a great understanding of Agriculture as a business. We will also be engaging the institution,” he said.
Commending the Executive Secretary’s efforts, the Provost and Chief Executive of the college Dr. Babawuro Mahmoud Ali represented by the Director Farms, Research, Partnership and Linkages, Mallam Abubakar Haruna Sai’id, the visit as a good omen, relevant and timely.
According to him, the College is blessed with fertile land, water resources and competent personnel to deliver all the technical services required in the agricultural sector.
The Director, however, indicated the College’s readiness to partner with NALDA, saying that the mission of the President to boost food security and create wealth and employment for Farmers and Youths has been accomplished.
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