The Niger State Government is taking a significant step towards encouraging youth participation in agriculture by establishing a N3.5 billion Agriculture Development Fund. This initiative, born out of the Green Economy Summit in Minna last week, aims to boost the agricultural sector and empower young individuals.
According to Mr. Bologi Ibrahim, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the fund will see each of the 25 local governments contributing N100 million, while the state government will kickstart the scheme with N1 billion. As part of the program, the first 1,000 youths who embrace this vision will receive a N1 million grant. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed for the cultivation of one million banana seedlings.
In a further move to equip young farmers with essential skills, the state governor has approved the establishment of an Agriculture Extension School in each of the 25 local government areas. These schools will provide comprehensive training in various aspects of farming, encouraging youth to explore commercial agriculture.
The governor urges the youth to seize this opportunity, emphasizing that it has the potential to elevate their standard of living. This initiative signals a promising future for agriculture in Niger State, with youth empowerment at its core.
