The Federal Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), through the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), have distributed agricultural equipment and empowerment materials to farmers and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Kogi State.
The intervention, carried out on Monday in Lokoja, was designed to strengthen agricultural production, improve livelihoods and promote greater economic inclusion among beneficiaries.
Farmers involved in production, processing and marketing received various agricultural equipment, while 33 Persons With Disabilities were provided with start-up packs to enable them establish or expand income-generating activities.
Women beneficiaries were also included in the empowerment programme, which covered five local government areas: Ajaokuta, Lokoja, Ibaji, Olamaboro and Kabba-Bunu.
Speaking at the distribution ceremony on behalf of the Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Moses Dare, said the intervention reflected the government’s commitment to ensuring that development opportunities reach vulnerable and underserved groups.
Dare said agricultural development should not be limited to increasing production but should also create opportunities for people to become economically independent.
He noted that providing farmers with the necessary tools and supporting Persons With Disabilities with start-up resources would help beneficiaries improve their livelihoods and contribute more meaningfully to the state’s economy.
The programme is part of efforts under the FG/IFAD-assisted VCDP to strengthen agricultural value chains, support smallholder farmers and promote sustainable economic opportunities for vulnerable groups.
Beneficiaries are expected to deploy the equipment and empowerment materials to improve their businesses, increase productivity and build more sustainable sources of income.
ALSO READ:How Nigeria’s New AI Deal Is Raising Big Hopes for Farmers
Hope you find the Above publication useful, Calabargist will love to keep you updated via our newsletter by subscribing with your email.
