Institute trains 100 on opportunities in mushroom, tomato value chain

The National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, conducted training for 100 women and youth on opportunities within the mushroom and tomato value chain. The initiative aims to alleviate poverty, reduce unemployment, and address youth unrest through agriculture, aligning with the government’s commitment to economic diversification. Dr. Mohammed Lawal, represented by Dr. Ephraim Nwanguma, highlighted the importance of the training in driving agricultural diversification, promoting food security, creating employment, increasing household income, and improving public health. The focus on mushroom and tomato value addition is significant due to increased consumption, awareness of nutritional benefits, and the need to mitigate post-harvest losses. NIHORT emphasized that mushroom cultivation offers fast yields, nutritional food, and income generation opportunities, contributing to poverty reduction and livelihood improvement. The institute’s mandate includes research on genetic improvement, production technologies, processing, storage, utilization, and marketing of fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, and spices. Participants expressed readiness to utilize the knowledge gained to start processing businesses, and they were empowered with starter packs to kick-start their ventures post-training. Source: The Guardian

Our Review:
The collaboration between NIHORT and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to train women and youth in mushroom and tomato value chains exemplifies a proactive approach to addressing poverty, unemployment, and food security challenges. By focusing on high-value crops like mushrooms and tomatoes, the initiative aligns with current agricultural trends and consumer preferences, offering opportunities for economic empowerment and livelihood improvement. Empowering participants with starter packs underscores the commitment to practical skill development and entrepreneurship, ensuring that beneficiaries have the resources to translate knowledge into tangible businesses. The emphasis on research and technology transfer reflects NIHORT’s dedication to advancing horticultural practices and enhancing value chain efficiency. Overall, the initiative demonstrates a holistic strategy for harnessing agricultural potential for socio-economic development, with a focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation.