The Rotary Club of Abuja, Wuse II in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Minden, Nebraska USA has launched a $75,000 global grant project on vocational training to improve agricultural economy for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and rural farmers of Wasa Community in Apo, Abuja.
The project which will benefit over 50 farmers, is aimed at enhancing the capacity of IDPs and rural farmers by providing seedlings, hand planters, fertilizers, pesticides and cash donations to targeted beneficiaries.
Speaking during a press briefing yesterday in Abuja, The Rotary Club of Abuja, Wuse II, Rotn Justina Princess Oladotun thanked the Rotary Club of Minden for the support, saying the key objective of the project is to improve the skills of farmers in Wasa and teach them modern methods to manage nutrient-deficient soil for improved yield.
“This is a vital aspect of agricultural productivity, as it determines the quality of crops and yields. This project will be implemented by Rotary and closely managed by our agro-technical expert organization, USAIFA.”
“The Rotary Club of Minden has brought a wealth of experience and expertise, in personell and ideas to this project. They have sent agricultural experts from the United States who will train and work with the farmers to become better producers of food items.”
Also speaking, Expatriate, Rotary Club Of Minden, Nebraska, Rotn Kevin Baun in his brief remark said Rotary Club will continue to work to help people around the world have better lives. He said the hand planter developed, will be a good method to use in farming and will be more productive and efficient for the beneficiaries.
On his part, Chief Executive Officer, USAIFA International Limited, Dr Usman Ali said Nigeria has more than 80 million small-holder farmers who spend time daily tilling the soil using subsistent tools like hoes and cutlass. He said the grain-seeder hand-planter is a tool that will not only help farmers to plant their seeds and apply fertilisers in a sustainable manner but also will help to increase their productivity and improve their livelihood.
“This is a very needed opportunity for the small-holder farmers, especially because some of the beneficiaries are not only small-holder farmers, but also people who are displaced from the crisis in North East Nigeria. The hand planter is going to be a good addition to the farmers. Also, the seeds, fertilisers and pesticides that these farmers will be receiving is coming at the right time.
While thanking the Rotary Clubs of Abuja and Nebraska for the collaboration, Ali said he looks forward to a prosperous program that will benefit the beneficiaries achieve the objective of the program.
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