Stakeholders Commit to Mobilizing Farmers for VCDP to Enhance Socio-Economic Lives in Lavun LG
By Priscilla Bernard, Minna
Stakeholders in Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State have pledged their support for the implementation of the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) Additional Financing. This initiative aims to improve the socio-economic livelihoods of rice and cassava farmers in the area.
This commitment was made during a sensitization and mobilization program for stakeholders and farmer organizations by VCDP Additional Financing, held in Kutigi, Lavun LG.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, Alhaji Muhammadu Kudu Kutigi, the Ezonuwa of Kutigi, expressed optimism about the program. He stated, “As community leaders, we have agreed to support the VCDP Additional Financing program in Lavun LG.
We will mobilize our people and monitor the program’s implementation for the benefit of our community.”
He emphasized that this decision was based on the confidence that the program is genuine and will provide real benefits, unlike other agricultural organizations that have not delivered as promised.
The council chairman, Alh. Usman Enagi (represented by Hon. Isah Mohammed), also pledged the council’s commitment to ensuring that farmers benefit adequately from the program.
Hon. Nasir Aliyu Bawa-Allah, the VCDP Coordinator to the Niger State Governor, urged the community to take ownership of the program, cautioning against viewing it as a scam. “You stand to gain a lot from this initiative,” he remarked.
Additionally, Dr. Ahmed Mathew, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, explained that Niger State was one of three states selected out of nine to include an additional local government area due to its outstanding performance.
“VCDP has been operating in Niger State for 11 years and will continue for another 20 months. Lavun LGA has been chosen for its high production of rice and cassava,” he said.
He also announced plans by the State Government to establish the Niger State Agricultural Transformation Office (NISATO) to replicate VCDP’s success throughout the state.
Furthermore, Hajiya Hadizat Isah, State Coordinator of VCDP, revealed that approximately 2,500 farmers in Lavun will be profiled and trained in good agronomy practices to enhance their production.
“After profiling, rice and cassava farmers will develop their business plans and receive training on how to approach farming as a business. They will also be provided with equipment to support their farming activities,” she added.
End.
