*WACOT Rice Limited under the Argungu Outgrower Expansion Programme has empowered 3,464 rice Smallholder Farmers with agricultural input financing to enhance their quality of life

Alexander Davis | 绿帽献妻

In order to enhance the quality of life of Smallholder Farmers (SHFs) via access to required agri-input financing, about 3,464 rice farmers have received agricultural inputs from WACOT Rice Limited under the Argungu Outgrower Expansion Programme (AOEP), in Kebbi State of Nigeria.

绿帽献妻 gathered that the beneficiaries from Argungu, Augie, Suru and Dandi Local Government Areas (LGAs) got agricultural inputs, ranging from improved seeds, fertilizers and crop protection chemicals to machinery, irrigation and field knowledge.

Rice pyramids in Kebbi State聽 聽File photo

The AOEP, a partnership between WACOT Rice Limited and the West African Trade and Investment Hub (TH), seeks to increase the quality of smallholder farmer livelihoods via access to required agri-input financing, capacity building training on Yield Enhancement Techniques (YET) and Good Agronomic Practices (GAP).

The input distribution was carried out at village and community levels, report said.

Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera (CON), Emir of Argungu, was said to have flagged off the 2021/2022 Dry Season agri-input distribution exercise at his palace December 8, 2021.

The ongoing programme involves 3,464 registered farmers in four LGAs.

The聽 farmers, comprising 10 percent women and 25 percent youth, have received agri-inputs and as the season progresses.

The beneficiaries will also be supported with both on and off-field training sessions, according to report.

Speaking on the exercise, Farouk Gumel, Chairman of WACOT Rice Limited, said the distribution of certified seeds, agrochemicals, and fertilizer to the project participants would enhance their productivity and thus, income.

Gumel also stated: 鈥淚 am excited about the significant participation of youth and women this season who continue to play a critical role in Nigeria鈥檚 agricultural value chain.

“I will encourage more to sign up as this will support our ambitions to become a self-sufficient nation.”

One of the beneficiaries, Hajia Kulu Augie, who has a three-hectare rice farm at Kasuwanamu Fadama area of Kebbi, commended WACOT and its partner, the Trade Hub, for the kind gesture.

Augie noted that the empowerment has made life easier for the farmers.