The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMFS) of the federal government has recently provided training to 60 women and youths in Plateau and Kaduna States on green maize enterprise. The main aim of this initiative, according to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security (FMFS) Abubakar Kyari, is to increase maize production in these two states and reduce the price of maize in the northern part of the country.
During the training in Kaduna, Mr. Bruce Asaleke, the Director of Agric Extension in the ministry, explained that the farmers were being educated on year-round green maize farming. They were also being trained on the maize value chain and equipped with new farming techniques to improve their production. The ultimate goal is to create more jobs, reduce scarcity, and increase the income of farmers.
The minister emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring food and nutrition security in the country. Maize farming is seen as a lucrative business that not only creates jobs but also promotes nutrition and socio-economic development. The choice of Plateau and Kaduna for this training program was based on the availability of land and favorable climatic conditions for maize production in these areas.
Mr. Muhammad Rili, the General Manager of the Kaduna Agricultural Development Project (KADP), highlighted that this training would enhance the farmers’ capacity to benefit from the profitable maize value chain. Maize is not only a source of food but also serves as a raw material for various industries.