June 24, (THEWILL) – A non governmental organisation, under the aegis of Agricultural Development for Economic Growth initiative (AgDEG), is set to replace USAID with the mission to promote, nurture and support farmer-led private agricultural extension services for vulnerable groups and rural small holder farmers in Benue State.
At the event launch held at Greg and Co. Ltd., Makurdi, on Tuesday, the management listed its focus to include rice, soybeans, maize, sesame, cassava and aquaculture.
The founder and Country Director, Joseph Unogwu, who performed the ceremony, explained that the sudden end of USAID-funded Feed the Future Nigeria Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services Activity, has left a disturbing void in the efforts towards food security in Benue State and Nigeria at large.
Unogwu assured that AgDEG will continue to provide farmers with private extension services, such as strengthening extension services, promoting digital solutions, climate smart agriculture, collaboration and strategic partnerships, food and nutrition advocacy as well as capacity building and enterprise development.
Unveiling the initiative, the Managing Director of Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, Engr Terese Ninga, stated that agricultural extension services was an indispensable part of agriculture development.
He expressed hope that the initiative would spread knowledge that would enhance productivity, sustainability and livelihood of farmers in the state and beyond.
In his remarks, the chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Benue State Chapter, Mr Peters China, promised to partner with AgDEG to help farmers adopt high yielding varieties of seeds and modern irrigation practices that would lead to a significant increase in food production.
Two partners with the NGO and members of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, Doofan Soja and Peter Inyom, all assured of their readiness to give advice to farmers so as to ensure higher productivity and sustainability.
