Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has engaged no fewer than 967,000 farmers as part of efforts to enhance food production in Nigeria.
The Country Director, Dr. Kehinde Makinde, made the assertion during an inspection visit to National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS)/AGRA demonstration farms/commissioning of a screen house at Likoro village of Kudan Local Council of Kaduna State.
“Farmers in the two states of Kaduna and Niger were trained and supported in new farming skills. We showed them how to enhance their skills in maize, rice, soya beans, cowpeas, vegetables and others’ production in line with the changing trends in our environment,” he said.
According to him, the AGRA train will soon move to Nasarawa, Gombe and Oyo states to provide similar technical skills and support to farmers in these states.
He added: “Our major concern is food production. With the change in climate, farmers need to be informed about new methods of farming in line with global trends.
“This is what we have been doing since we came to Nigeria in 2017 to start operations. We were first in Niger and later in Kaduna. Since we came, we have engaged about 967,000 farmers. Now, we are trying to move to Nasarawa, Gombe and Oyo states.”
The country director also explained that he was very impressed with the enthusiasm and commitment of the farmers he met in the field during the visit to the sites.
He lauded the commitment of the state government and the provision of an enabling environment, calling on them not to relent in further engagements.
Kaduna State Commissioner for Agriculture, Murtala Dabo, thanked Makinde and his team for their support, promising that the state government would continue to partner them and other partners to enhance food production in the state country.
