By Mike Oboh
As Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Muhammad Mahmud Abubakar on monday launched the HortiNigeria program, an initiative of the International Fertiliser Development Center funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands which is aimed to facilitate the development of a sustainable and gender and youth inclusive horticulture sector as well as incentivize the value chains and support the sustainable integration of entrepreneurial farmers into profitable markets that contributes to nutritional security, the Deputy Governor of Kano State Dr.Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna during the occasion held at Trancorp Hilton Hotel Abuja, in his goodwill message explained that the program which has already commenced implementation in Kano will work directly with smallholder farmers focusing on women, youth and other vulnerable groups with a view to increase their productivity and incomes.
According to him…the program is apt given the high premium the federal and state governments placed on agriculture for the revival of the economy, job creation and uplifting the socio-economic well-being of the people.
“Key horticultural commodities and value chains to be covered by the program include tomato, okra,onions and pepper.”
“Kano State as one of the leading states in irrigated agriculture has accorded high priority to the production and marketing of the project targeted value chains he said.”
The Deputy Governor added that given the position of the state in horticultural crop value chains, development banks and donor agencies always include those crops as part of their programs in Kano State.
While commending the International Fertiliser Development Center and its consortium partners for the laudable effort, he assured of the State Government’s continued support and cooperation towards the success of the program.
The HortiNigeria program is also working in Kaduna,Ogun and Oyo States.
In attendance were the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Dr.Muhammad Mahmud Abubakar, the Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria Mr.Harry Van Dijk,President of International Fertiliser Development Center Albin Hubscher, Representatives of Kaduna,Ogun and Oyo States,Permanent Secretary Kano State Ministry of Agriculture Alh.Balarabe Hassan Karaye and Managing Director of Kano Agricultural and Rural Development Authority Dr.Junaid Yakubu.
