FG to train young farmers abroad on livestock, crop production
By JOHNMARK UKOKO
National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has concluded plans to sponsor 200 young farmers to Israel and Morocco for capacity building on crop production and animal husbandry to tackle hunger and enhance food security in Nigeria.
Executive Secretary of NALDA, Prince Paul Ikonne, who disclosed this in Abuja recently at an event to officially handover travel documents to the beneficiaries, said the programme was a continuation of the National Young Farmers Scheme (NYFS).
He explained that the programme would improve the country’s food production and exportation, noting that it was aimed at making agriculture more attractive to the youths.
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He said the initiative was initiated in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, noting that the youths were drawn from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja and would visit Israel and Morocco for six days to undergo intensive training on greenhouse farming and animal husbandry.
Ikonne further stated that the two countries were chosen because they have the expertise in agriculture and animal husbandry, adding that the Federal Government paid for their travel expenses and training as contained in NALDA’s budget.
“These 200 youths will be engaged in learning proper crop production and greenhouse management and 100 youths will be engaged in animal husbandry, slaughtering, meat processing and other aspects.
“So, we are sending them to Israel and Morocco that we know have strong expertise on what we are doing to enhance their knowledge and expose them to modern crop production and animal husbandry. Upon their return, they will teach others what they have learnt,” he stated.
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