By Blessing Otobong-Gabriel
In a bid to promote agricultural development and improve food security, the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) has empowered 35 farmers in Gwagwalada area council, Abuja.
The farmers, who were selected from various communities in Gwagwalada, underwent training on dry season farming techniques, including irrigation management and crop cultivation.
Speaking during the training, Haruna Maisamari Umar said training program, which was facilitated by SAPZ, aimed to equip the farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge to engage in profitable dry season farming.
He said, by empowering these farmers, SAPZ hopes to increase agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and stimulate economic growth in the Nigeria.
Also, Engr Ale Lukman Onitekun, FCT-ADP, Head Engineering and rural infrastructure said the project took 35 farmers to a farm site where they were trained and encouraged to venture into dry season farming. The training session focused on teaching the farmers how to cultivate crops during the dry season, using irrigation techniques and other best practices.
He noted that the training program was well-received by the participants, who were drawn from diverse age groups, including youth and middle-aged individuals. The project’s initiative was widely appreciated, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to acquire new skills and knowledge.
SAPZ aims to promote agricultural development and improve the livelihoods of farmers. By providing training and support to farmers, the project seeks to increase agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and stimulate economic growth.
A farmer who participated in the dry season farming training program organized by SWAPS, Sule Aminu reported impressive results, highlighting the effectiveness of the initiative.
He revealed that during the rainy season last year, SAPZ provided them with bags of soya beans and maize, which they planted and harvested. The yield was remarkable, with twenty-five bags of soya beans and twenty-four bags of maize produced.
He expressed strong optimism about the potential of such programs to empower youths and farmers, enabling them to make significant contributions to food production in the country.
“I advise other youths to join us in this program and work as a team to improve food production in the country,” he urged. “With initiatives like this, I am confident that we can make a real difference and ensure food security for our nation.”
He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity, are expected to become trainers and mentors for other farmers in their communities, thereby spreading the benefits of dry season farming.
