Food Security: Federal Gov’t Trains 180 Extension Agents In Benue

The Federal Government/International Fund for Agricultural Development (FGN/IFAD) Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), in conjunction with Olam Agri, Hello Tractor, and Heifer International, has trained 180 extension agents in Benue State in mechanised farming to boost food production.

The Knowledge Management and Communications Officer, FGN/IFAD-VCDP David Abellegah who disclosed this in a statement informed that the partnership is to enhance mechanised farming to attract youth participation.

According to him, the training which held at the Benue Centre For Enterprise Development & Innovation (BENCEDI) in Makurdi the Benue State capital aimed at equipping extension workers with the requisite skills and knowledge in mechanised farming, for onward transfer to farmers especially during the dry season.

He said, “this will help improve farm practices, including land preparation and access to modern equipment.”

Hello Tractor’s Farmer Engagement Manager, John Pelumi in a remark, emphasised the deliberate focus on youth between the ages of 18 and 34, with 50% female participation adding that mechanised farming will make farming more attractive to young persons.

The communication manager explained that in the partnership, Hello Tractor and Heifer International is providing financing for tractor purchases and supporting young agritech entrepreneurs, Olam Agri and VCDP are carrying out training for extension agents while IFAD-VCDP in conjunction with Hello Tractor are expanding tractor hiring services to farmers across all the nine local government areas where the projects is being implemented.

Abellegah who quoted some of the beneficiaries, including Moses Ogaba, Samuel Yough, and Regina Atsewe, said they all expressed enthusiasm about applying their newfound knowledge to improve on their farming practices.

While acknowledging that the partnership will revolutionise mechanised farming in the state and boost farmers’ productivity and output, Abellegah maintain that they are committed to empowering the next generation of farmers.