The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), on Thursday, distributed starter packs to poultry farmers in Nasarawa State under the Home-Grown Poultry Scheme. Aimed at empowering 200 youths and women in agribusiness, the program provided free feeds, cages, and birds as start-up packages to enhance sustainable agriculture and improve livelihoods.
Working in partnership with traditional leaders, NALDA reached genuine farmers at the grassroots, distributing three-tier bird cages, 25 birds, and three bags of feeds to each beneficiary at the emir’s palace in Lafia. The initiative seeks to curb chicken importation, save foreign exchange, and create employment opportunities.
Before distribution, NALDA’s team briefed local leaders about the scheme’s objectives. The Executive Secretary of NALDA, represented by the Head of Engineering, emphasized the project’s revolving nature, with sustainability dependent on beneficiaries’ commitment. The aim is to sustain the ban on frozen chicken importation, boost the poultry industry, reduce unemployment, and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
Beneficiaries were urged to pay attention to training and guidance for optimal poultry production. Traditional leaders expressed appreciation for NALDA’s trust in their institution, pledging collaboration to ensure the project’s success in the state.