The National Association of Mango Producers, Processors and Marketers has trained 100 farmers on mango value chain to encourage productivity in Katsina State.
The National President of the association, Abdulkadir Mamman-Nasir stated this during the inauguration of the training exercise on Monday at Ajiwa community in Batagarawa Local Government Area of the state.
He said the farmers would be exposed to modern planting, processing and marketing techniques to add value to the fruit, adding that the beneficiaries would be provided with improved mango seeds.
Represented by Abubakar Dabo, Managing Director, Katsina State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KTARDA), the president said the exercise was designed to encourage mango production and improved livelihood to smallholder farmers.
The exercise, he said, would also expose farmers to modern ways of planting and nursing mango trees to maturity, adding the gesture would provide employment opportunities in the society.
While urging the beneficiaries to ensure effective utilisation of the skills, noted that studies indicated that proceeds from the sales of mangoes could enable farmers to educate their children.
“Mango production is a lucrative trade, it enhance social and economic development as well as prevent desertification and other environmental challenges.
“Apart from providing a conducive atmosphere, tree planting is a source of gaining self employment.
“Mango production, processing and marketing is providing source of income to the farmers worldwide.” he said.
Some of the beneficiaries commended the gesture and pledged to utilise the skills to increase their production out put.