The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has pledged to strengthen collaboration between his ministry and farmers’ associations, unions, and agricultural companies to boost farming activities, particularly in rural areas.
Senator Kyari, represented by a Deputy Director in the ministry, Mr. Antor Anbi-Oga, made the pledge at a farmers’ field day event organized by Jimsan Smart Agri Limited at Falwaya Community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
He explained that the move is in line with government’s efforts to provide farmers with inputs and technical knowledge to advance food security and create more jobs in the agricultural sector.
Also speaking, the Chairman of a Farmers Association, Mallam Isa Musa, commended Jimsan Smart Agri Limited for supplying improved seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and training that enabled farmers to record bumper harvests. He, however, appealed for more government support in building schools and roads to ease the transportation of farm produce to markets.
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Jimsan Smart, Abubakar Sa’idu Dansadau, said the event was aimed at showcasing the company’s achievements while providing a platform for farmers to directly engage stakeholders.
He urged beneficiaries of the Jimsan Smart Agric Initiative to sustain the knowledge acquired and share it with other farmers to maximize impact.
About 500 farmers benefitted from this year’s programme, cultivating over 900 hectares across Kaduna State.
The event attracted participants from government agencies, traditional and religious institutions, the private sector, and farmers’ groups.
PR: Adamu Yusuf
