EGTA, RMRDC to support Kebbi on commodity value chain development

Dr. Ibrahim Hussaini Doko, Director General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, RMRDC

Farmers and other stakeholders in the Agricultural Commodity Value Chain in Kebbi State are to benefit from a number of programs designed by the Raw Materials Research and Development Council and Employment Generation through Agriculture Initiative.

This development was reached at a meeting attended by the Directors General of RMRDC Prof Hussaini Ibrahim Doko and that of EGTA Mal Hafiz Nahuce respectively and officials of Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria FACAN Kebbi State led by Dr Usman Hassan and Abubakar Bagudu Kalgo.

While receiving the team in his office DG of RMRDC assured of the Council's support to Kebbi Farmers as earlier demonstrated in the provision of improved seeds of Castor, Kenaf and tomatoes and technical support, adding that many more are in the pipeline.

Prof Ibrahim who was impressed by plan of Kebbi FACAN to push for the reestablishment of Commodity Boards in the State, expressed his support for the idea and pledged the Council's support at all times.

In his remarks, DG of EGTA, Hafiz Nahuce disclosed that the new agency was loaded with a lot of laudable agriculture based initiatives designed to support all manners of Value Chain Stakeholders in value addition, synergy building and reduction of harvest wastages.

He added that collaborative package with Feed Africa will soon be unveiled that targets 250,000 farmers designated to promote eleven agricultural commodities under farm clusters arrangements.

This would enable them have easy access to farm implements at affordable cost, encourage mutually beneficial produce marketing as well as ensure quality control directly from the farms.

Also speaking, Dr Usman Hassan appreciated the level of enthusiasm shown by the two agencies to support the drive by Kebbi FACAN to move the Commodity Sector to an enviable position noting that Kebbi State Government equally supports the bid through a number of pro farmers program currently in the State.

The secretary of Kebbi FACAN, Alh Abubakar Bagudu Kalgo, welcomed the collaboration with the two Agencies: assuring of the Association's readiness to mobilise large numbers of Stakeholders to key into the programs.

He announced that Stakeholders Conference on Castor and Kenaf will soon be convened in  Kebbi State to map out strategies for mass participation in their production during the next farming season.

Compiled by Abubakar Bagudu Kalgo.

FACAN. Kebbi State.