Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Enugu State Government has lauded NNPC Foundation Limited for aggressively supporting smallholder farmers and agro-industrialists with critical modern training and other initiatives meant to increase yield and turn agriculture into striving commercial business.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro Industrialisation, Mr Patrick Ubru, gave the commendation on Tuesday in Nsukka while declaring open a three-day NNPC Foundation Vulnerable Farmers Training Programme.
The NNPC Foundation is the social impact company of the NNPC Limited, undertaking key initiatives in education, empowerment, health, environment and access to energy to boost social-economic development since inception in 2023.
The commissioner, who represented Governor Peter Mbah at the occasion, said that the practical farm training would equip smallholder farmers and other small scale agro-industrialists with modern agricultural techniques and market access strategies.
“By focusing on climate-smart agriculture, we can mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure a sustainable future for our farming communities.
“I encourage all of you to engage fully in this programme. This is your opportunity to learn, share, and grow together. Let us work hand in hand to build a resilient agricultural sector that thrives on innovation and collaboration.
“As we say in Enugu State, “Tomorrow is Here.” It is a mantra that reminds us that the future we envision is within our grasp; that the steps we take today will shape the world we bequeath to our children.
“Thank you to the NNPC Foundation for organizing this vital programme, and to all our partners for your ongoing support. Together, we can transform the agricultural landscape of Enugu State and beyond,” he said.
He noted that the state government had made agriculture a central pillar of its administration; adding that the government was committed to transforming the agriculture sector to be the major economic driver of the state.
“We have successfully registered in excess of 66,000 smallholder farmers who are actively engaged in the production of various agricultural products and we are promoting the use of organic fertilizers.
“In 2023, we cultivated approximately 1,000 hectares of cassava as part of the Bioethanol Value Chain Development Initiative using organic fertilizers.
“We are establishing Farm Estates across 260 electoral wards. Each estate covering 200 hectares of land will feature shared facilities such as extension services, warehouses, tractor services, and processing facilities. This infrastructure is designed to empower our farmers and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive.
“Recognizing the importance of market access, we shall sign off-take agreements with major players in the industry, including prominent companies like Nigeria Breweries. This is to ensures that smallholder farmers have guaranteed markets for their produce, fostering economic stability and growth.
“We are implementing greenhouse technology, with plans to establish 440 pilot greenhouses across the 17 Local Government Areas. Additionally, we are mapping out 100 hectares of land for cocoa plantation in some selected local government areas with the adequate soil type and climate conditions, diversifying our agricultural output and enhancing smallholder farmers’ income potential.
“As part of our broader vision, the Government is designing Enugu State Special Agro Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) across three senatorial districts. This is just the beginning of our journey toward smart, sustainable and economic viable agricultural development,” he noted.
Earlier, the Managing Director of NNPC Foundation Ltd, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, said that the initiative to train smallholder farmers is part of the foundation’s broader efforts to support the Federal Government’s agricultural transformation agenda, which seeks to enhance food security and increase productivity.
Arukwe, who was represented by Mrs Goodnews Willie, Deputy Manager, Education and Healthcare Programmes NNPC Foundation, said there was a need to acknowledge the pressing reality of food insecurity in Nigeria.
“According to the Cadre Harmonise Report (March 2024), an estimated 31.5 million Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones are currently facing food insecurity.
“This statistics underscores the urgent need for sustainable agricultural interventions that not only boost productivity but also build resilience against climate change, supply chain disruptions, and economic fluctuations.
“At NNPC Ltd, we recognize that agriculture remains the primary livelihood for over 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population (National Bureau of Statistics, 2024). Yet, many farmers remain trapped in subsistence-level production due to limited access to modern techniques, quality inputs and competitive markets.
“This training is designed to change that narrative.Through this initiative, we will train 6,000 vulnerable farmers across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria in modern, climate-resilient farming techniques, soil and water management, organic fertilization, and post-harvest loss reduction strategies,” she said.
The managing director noted that “the programme goal is to equip every participant with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to transition from subsistence farming to commercial-scale production.”
One of the participants, Mrs Anthonia Ameen, appreciated NNPC Foundation for the practical training both in the hall and a demonstration farm, adding that she has been enriched to practice a different type of agriculture and get positive and better outcomes.
Over 800 smallholder farmers in Enugu North Senatorial zone of Enugu State are currently participating in the three-day training programme.
