Fatima Muraina

Federal Government has through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development FMARD, trained and empowered youths from Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Oyo and Lagos states on seed production in order to attain self sufficiency in rice production.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Develópment, Dr. Mohammed Mahmood Abubakar disclosed this at a 3-day capacity building workshop organised by the rice value chain for young rice farmers held in Akure, the Ondo state capital at the weekend.
Dr. Abubakar, who was represented at the occasion by the Deputy Director in charge of Cereals division FMARD, who is also the Desk officer for the rice value chain, Fatima Aliyu said the implementation of the programme was important being a stable crop to achieve food and nutrition security, import substitution and promotion of inclusive economic growth.
This, he said, could only be achieved through promotion of what he called smart agriculture among the youths by equipping them with adequate knowledge in modern rice production.
He said there was need to empower the youths to take up seed production as a business for jobs and wealth, boost rice production and enhance food and nutrition security.
“Knowledge of modern techniques of rice production, community seed multiplication and inclusive business management would not only increase their productivity, but also encourage self reliant through provision of essential services to other farmers in their communities”, he said.
In a remark, the Ondo state Programme Manager of Agricultural Development Project ADP, Mr. Babasola Adeniyan who was represented by the Director of Agric Technical Services, Mr Ogunleye Babajide said government wants rice to be produced in abundance to ensure food security.
Ondo state FMARD Coordinator, Mr Tony Otuonye, while appreciating the people, said the training was a foundation one which expected trainees to train others as a form of spill over event.
The state Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, Mr Abayomi Monilari advised trainees to put the knowledge acquired into practices and to teach other farmers in their respective communities.
Speaking with The Hope in separate interviews, the trainees, Mrs Patricia Martins and Adedara Emmanuel described the training as a step in the right direction believing that it will enhance more certified seeds in the system.