The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMFS) has successfully trained 60 women and youths in Plateau and Kaduna States on the green maize enterprise.
The training, aimed at enhancing maize production and reducing maize prices in the northern region of Nigeria, was conducted in Kaduna.
Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security (FMFS), highlighted the primary objective of the training: to bolster maize production in both states and stabilize maize prices in northern Nigeria.
Represented by Mr. Bruce Asaleke, Director of Agric Extension in the ministry, Kyari emphasized that the program would educate smallholder farmers on year-round green maize farming.
The farmers will receive training in various aspects of the maize value chain and acquire new farming techniques to enhance their productivity.
This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to job creation, scarcity reduction, and income growth among farmers, particularly women and youths.
The Minister emphasized that this effort would enhance farmers’ capabilities and increase maize production, contributing to the government’s mission to empower women and youths in the country.
Kyari also underscored the government’s determination to ensure food and nutrition security in Nigeria, highlighting maize farming as a lucrative venture that generates employment, promotes nutrition, and fosters socio-economic development.
The choice of Plateau and Kaduna States for this training was influenced by the availability of suitable land and favorable climatic conditions that favor maize cultivation in these regions.
Muhammad Rili, the General Manager of the Kaduna Agricultural Development Project (KADP), noted that the training would equip farmers with the skills needed to tap into the profitable maize value chain.
Rili emphasized that maize, in addition to being a staple food, serves as a vital raw material for industries.
Participants like Juliana Choji from Plateau and Fatima Usman from Kaduna expressed their gratitude for the timely training.
They pledged to apply the knowledge gained to achieve higher yields and increased returns on their maize investments, foreseeing a more rewarding future in maize production.