FG empowers Adamawa women, youth with skills in tomato, pepper production

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), has concluded a capacity-building program for 100 youths and women in Gombi/Hong Federal Constituency, Adamawa State. The initiative focused on enhancing participants’ skills in tomato and pepper production to promote wealth creation and sustainable livelihoods.

The comprehensive training covered critical aspects of tomato and pepper agribusiness, including nursery practices, transplanting techniques, pest and disease control, field management, harvesting, and value addition. The goal was to equip participants with practical skills to establish their own farms, thereby bolstering food security and improving nutrition in the region.

Mr. Solomon Adamu, representing the facilitator, praised the Federal Government for its commitment to empowering women and youth. He also commended Rt. Hon. James Barka, the representative for Gombi/Hong Federal Constituency, for spearheading the program. Adamu encouraged the trainees to leverage the knowledge gained to develop thriving agribusiness ventures.

Participants expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and Hon. Barka, pledging to apply the acquired skills to drive growth in tomato and pepper farming within their communities.
Source- Tribune

Expert Review: Agribusiness Insights for Stakeholders
The training initiative targeting tomato and pepper production is a significant step in addressing food security and unemployment in Adamawa State. This program underscores the role of agribusiness as a vehicle for economic empowerment and nutrition improvement.

Key Insights for Stakeholders:

1. Value Chain Opportunities: Tomato and pepper agribusiness offers multiple entry points, from cultivation to processing and marketing. By equipping participants with skills in value addition, the program opens up income-generating opportunities.
2. Food Security: The training’s focus on pest and disease control, alongside efficient harvesting techniques, will enhance yields and reduce post-harvest losses, contributing to local food availability.
3. Community Empowerment: Targeting youths and women ensures inclusive growth and helps tackle unemployment while fostering gender equality in agriculture.
4. Local Economic Development: Establishing tomato and pepper farms in the Gombi/Hong constituency will generate income for families and stimulate economic activities in the area.

Recommendations for Sustained Impact:

1. Access to Inputs: The government and stakeholders should ensure participants have access to high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and other necessary inputs to kickstart their ventures.
2. Follow-Up Support: Regular monitoring and mentorship programs should be established to provide ongoing guidance to the participants and address challenges they may encounter.
3. Processing Facilities: Investment in small-scale processing units for tomato and pepper products will add value, reduce waste, and enhance profitability.
4. Market Linkages: Efforts should be made to connect farmers to both local and regional markets to ensure they can sell their produce at competitive prices.
5. Scalability: Expanding similar training programs to other constituencies will amplify the impact across Nigeria, promoting widespread adoption of best practices in horticulture.

By fostering agribusiness through such targeted training, the Federal Government is paving the way for sustainable economic growth and improved food systems in Nigeria.