Kyari flags off outgrower programme in Kebbi

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, flagged off WACOT Rice Limited’s 2024 dry season farming input distribution to out-grower farmers in Argungu, Kebbi State, at the weekend.

The out-grower programme is aimed at increasing the quality of smallholder farmers livelihoods via access to required agri-input financing, capacity-building training on Yield Enhancement Techniques (YET) and Good Agronomic Practices (GAP).

The minister, who also inspected WACOT rice’s state-of-the-art 250,000-tonne mill ahead of its inauguration later in the year, expressed delight with the initiative, noting that it will boost farmers’ productivity and income.

Kyari lauded WACOT Rice and its parent company, Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group, for empowering farmers across various value chains nationwide.

Highlighting TGI’s substantial investments in agriculture and other sectors, the minister affirmed the alignment of these investments with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope eight point agenda.

“I am impressed with what I have seen. This project is heading in the right direction, utilising the farm produce from local farmers for raw materials. The government stands ready to support initiatives like WACOT Rice, recognising their potential to create jobs and improve livelihoods. As part of our strategic focus, we are actively considering creating a farm land for WACOT Rice, further enhancing our agricultural capabilities,” he said.

Chairman of WACOT Rice and Vice Chairman (Africa) of TGI Group, Farouk Gumel emphasised WACOT Rice’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s food security. He highlighted the inclusivity of the outgrower programme, supporting farmers of all demographics with certified seeds, agrochemicals, and training sessions to enhance productivity and income.

Gumel expressed enthusiasm for hosting special guests at the project site, acknowledging that the general understanding of their initiatives might be limited.

Expressing gratitude to the Minister for the visit, Gumel also thanked the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly the President, for dedicating a ministry to not just agriculture but also food security.

He reassured the nation, saying, “we will play our part in bringing peace and prosperity to the nation through our agricultural endeavours.”

Over 10,000 registered farmers including a large number of women and youth in the state, will receive agri-inputs, water pumps, training sessions and extension support during the dry season farming period.

Commenting on the activity, one of the farmers, Hajia Nafisa from Augie Local Council also appreciated WACOT Rice for the initiative.

“Prior to this time, it has always been hard for us carry out our duties as female farmers, but with the intervention of WACOT Rice, we have been able to carry out our farming duties easily because we were given some inputs like fertiliser, water pumps, alongside trainings and guidance,” she said.