The Federal Government has underscored the pivotal role of smallholder farmers in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, emphasizing their significant contribution to national prosperity.
This assertion was made by Mr. Temitope Fadeshemi, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, during the training and empowerment of 250 farmers under the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) in Abuja.
Fadeshemi highlighted the empowerment of verified smallholder farmers as a critical initiative under the NPRGS, stressing the importance of their role in shaping the nation’s agricultural trajectory. Representing the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Michael Brooks, the Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension Services, charged participating farmers to recognize their paramount role in the success of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
“This programme is not merely an investment in agriculture; it is an investment in the future of our nation. As we equip these farmers with the tools to enhance productivity, improve resilience, and embrace sustainable practices, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector.
“Let us embrace this opportunity to build a future where smallholder farmers are not just beneficiaries of progress but active contributors to our nation’s growth,” emphasized Fadeshemi.
Dr. Deola Lordbanjou, the Head of Horticulture at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, commended the initiative, stating that the inputs provided would significantly enhance the productivity of farmers.
Lordbanjou also urged Nigerians to engage in backyard farming as a means to alleviate pressure and address the issue of hunger in the country.
Expressing gratitude, one of the beneficiaries, Elizabeth Oyerinde, expressed joy over the intervention and assistance extended to smallholder farmers.
The training and empowerment initiative signal the government’s commitment to fostering agricultural development, promoting food security, and empowering rural communities across Nigeria. Through such interventions, smallholder farmers are poised to play an increasingly vital role in driving agricultural prosperity and contributing to national economic growth.
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