FG distributes 300 knapsack to women, youths to boost farming in Plateau

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) says it has distributed 300 knapsacks to women and youth in agriculture in Plateau to boost farming.

The distribution was done in Jos on Wednesday during an empowerment programme for selected women and youths involved in agriculture in the state.

The Minister of Agriculture, Dr Mohammad Abubakar, who was represented by Dr Steve Dowoh, the Director Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Plateau, said that the purpose of the intervention was to boost farming and empower women and youths in agriculture.

Abubakar said that the distribution of the knapsack was a key activity in the implementation of the federal government’s policy on revitalisation of agricultural extension delivery in the country.

“This recommendation includes this empowerment programme which will in turn help farmers to increase their production, income and acquired new technology to improve their livelihood,” Abubakar said.

The minister further said that the intervention was geared towards empowering farmers in the field and infusing new skills in the women and youth who are engaged in agricultural activities.

He urged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity given to them to increase production.

In his remarks, Gov. Simon Lalong of the state, who was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Hosea Finangwai, said that the intervention would lead to high yield and also influence the level of crop production.

He cautioned the women against selling the items.

Also speaking, the Acting Programme Manager, Plateau Agricultural Development Programm (PADP), Mr Simon Ago, said that women had been playing critical roles in agriculture and urged them to use the sprayers to increase their produce.

Larai Simon and Garos Dung who are among the beneficiaries that spoke lauded the support which they said would enhance their produce.