As part of efforts to boost food production in the state and across the nation, Value Change Development Program (VCDP), yesterday doled out 20 tricycles to farmers’ organizations and youth entrepreneurs’ beneficiaries in the state to cushion the adverse effect of transportation.

The 20 beneficiaries were drawn from across the five local government areas where the VCDP is currently being implemented.

Speaking at the flag-off, the state coordinator, Eunice Adigizi, said that the objective of the distribution was in line with the mandate of the program which is to improve the livelihood of rural farmers.

Adigizi noted that the program which was an initiative of the state and federal governments in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development, was made possible because farmers in the state have keyed into the program.

Mrs Adigizi stated further that the VCDP in the state decided to embark on the provision of tricycles in response to the transport challenges farmers face in conveying their farm products.

The state coordinator urged the beneficiaries to utilize the tricycles to improve their value chain activities. She cautioned against selling the tricycles as that would not go in line with the mandate.

In his remarks, the Program Manager, Mr. Emmanuel Alanana told the beneficiaries that the tricycles were a direct response of the VCDP to the need of farmers.

“Most of you travel several kilometers to your farms. These tricycles are meant to help you in the transportation of your farm produce and to enhance your welfare”, Alanana said.

Three beneficiaries including Bitrus John Alaku from Ashangwa, Lafia Local Government, Rahab Ayuba of Wamba Local Government Area and Musa Dele Ayeni of Doma Local Government, thanked the VCDP for the initiative and pledged to utilize the tricycles prudently to improve on their well-being and farm productivity.