By; SANI ALIYU, Zaria.
The minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Chief Audu Ogeh has expressed satisfaction with the mode of operations of Sasakawa Global 2000/ADPS in disseminating improved technologies to farmers which made tremendous impacts in the extension services of participating states and their ability to transfer technological packages for various crops.
Delivery a keynote address at the 30th and 25h anniversary celebration of Sasakawa Africa Association in Africa and Nigeria respectively held at the conference hall of N.A.E.R.L.S./Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
Chief Ogbe said the interventions of SG2000 has rustled in a widespread adoption by farmers of improved Soyabeans and maize production and harvest technologies in the participating states where over 500, 000 small holders farmers are engaged with production of soyabeans.
Represented by Dr. Karima Babangida Director Youth and Gender in the Ministry said, SAA/SG2000 has also proven that it can reach more farmers with productivity enhancing technology fact and effectively.
According to the Minister, the capacity building extension agents and farmers has been a margin programme priority since 1993.
The minister said, over the years, the alliance between SAA and Global 2000 program of the carter centre, operated country projects in 14 African States, led the farmers Know Technology existed in Africa to double and triple farm yields that make them intensify their productivity.
Chief Audu Ogbeh was apt considering the central position occupied by the Nigeria agricultural sector in quickly and sustainable diversifying its economy in the face of the current dwindling oil revenue.
“Nigeria has the ambition of diversifying her economy from crude, petroleum and dependency, agriculture extension services have vital role to play to achieve sustainable agricultural development”.
“The Federal Government is working round the clock to promote efficient extension system in the country. One of the strategies in place is the training and empowerment of over 100,000 graduates under the N-Power proragmme”.
Minister Ogbeh called on all tiers of government and the private sector as well as development partners to come together and support the more for a vibrant agricultural extension system in Nigeria.
In his speech, the Country Director SG 2000 Professor Sani Miko said the Association has achieved so much in the area of boosting the small farmers productivity in an hectare of land.
Prof. Miko noted that, they are very much concern about the adulterated seed that farmers are using which is affecting the mission of increased food production in the country
According to him, SG2000 is trying to organized grassroots farmers and ensured they enjoy the marketing system that will make them benefit more form their labour.
The mission of the SG2000 is empowering farmers and specifically small holders to sustainably increase productivity in response to market demand as well contributing to Nigerian Social security and Jobs creation through Agricultural development.
During the ceremony, stakeholders, were presented with awards, SG 200 staff also received outstanding performance awards.
