NASENI to train 600 youths on modern farming

The implementation of President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive to the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to introduce modern techniques into farming and all agricultural practices kicked off yesterday in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State (North West Zone). 

About 100 youths each from the country’s six geo-political zones are to benefit from the technical interventions and empowerment programme by the agency. The programme is aimed at empowering youths to reduce poverty in the state.

Recently, Buhari directed the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Prof. Mohammed Haruna, to empower youths in the 36 states of the federation, deploying some of the technologies on the shelves of the agency, while focusing specifically in the areas of modern farming, agricultural processing, production and preservation.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, who chaired the occasion, said Buhari was determined to tackle the high rate of youth unemployment, poverty and especially food insecurity.

The target of 100 youths per geo-political zone, he said, was essentially to take the youths off the streets, address youth restiveness and increase food security with the introduction of modern farming practices.

He noted that the North West is known for farming as a general occupation; hence the choice of modern farming in the training for the youths.

Governor of Kebbi, Abubakar Bagudu, said his state was lucky to host the flag-off.

“Being the host state for on-going rice revolution in the country, this programme is a clear evidence of the desire to transform the country through the use of science, technology and innovation   

“There is no better time to focus on agriculture than now and the only leader, who could redirect the focus of the country to agriculture Buhari,” Bagudu said.