ATASP-1 trains youths on sorghum, rice, cassava value-chains
By Segun Lawal
The Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme Phase-1 (ATASP-1) has concluded a two-week training of 50 youths from Kebbi and Sokoto States on agribusiness incubation in Kano to enhance food security.
Speaking during the closing ceremony on Monday in Kano, the National Programme Coordinator ATASP-1, Dr Ibrahim Arabi, said the Federal Government launched the programme to attract private sector investment in agriculture.
Represented by Mr Adekunle Alege, the National Agribusiness Specialist of ATASP-1, Arabi said the programme was also to ensure food security.
He said the strategy was to promote the growth of self-reliant small-scale business model among incubators.
“The Federal Government launched the programme to attract private sector investment in agriculture and ensure food security,” the National Programme Coordinator told the participants.
Arabi said the project had developed strategies that would attract, train and retain these youths in the agribusiness sector.
“Those involved will be provided with on-the-job training and mentoring to improve their practical skills and knowledge in agribusiness.
“This is because there are endless opportunities in modern agriculture for youths,” he added.
Earlier, the Zonal Coordinator for Kebbi and Sokoto zone, Dr Aliyu Abubakar, had said Federal Government unveiled the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) “to attract private sector investment in agriculture, and reduce post-harvest losses”.
Abubakar, represented by Yahuza Garba, said the beneficiaries were trained on production and processing in order to increase their income generation and reduce unemployment in the country.
The Managing Director, Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), Dr Faruk Kurawa, appreciated the Federal Government and ATASP-1 for providing the opportunity for the intensive and extensive training.
He said such training had made an impact on the youths.
Kurawa noted that no nation can develop without sustainably huge investments in agriculture.
“Youths should make the best use of the knowledge they have learnt here, and I urge them to take the knowledge down to others in their various communities,” he said.
Speaking also, Ms Heather Akanni, the Project Manager of ABOMAX Youths in Agribusiness Incubation, said the programme was to catch youths and get them involved in agriculture.
“This is with the hope of monitoring and linking them with relevant institutions and organisations in scaling up food production,” she said.
Akanni explained that the programme was aimed at contributing to food security food safety through improved and gender-friendly technology.
She also noted that the trainees performed exceptionally well during the training.
Some of the participants who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said the training served as an eye-opener to them.
They also promised to pass on the knowledge gained to other young people in their communities when they go back there.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
SL/OLAL
=========
(Edited by Olawale Alabi)
