A fresh batch of 1,065 beneciaries under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Anchor Borrower Programme have been trained by the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture, ahead of this year's farming season.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina speaking at the pre-season training for the participants, said the training was in line with the vision of Governor Dapo Abiodun to generate employment for youths through agriculture.
Odedina revealed that 2,500 hectares of land had been cleared for cultivation of various crops across the State.
According to him, the training was ongoing concurrently in 11 Local Government Areas of the State, to equip the 1,065 batch-C beneficiaries of ABP with the basic agricultural knowledge in cassava production, financial inclusion, as well as nutrition,.
The Commissioner added that the training would be in addition to series of trainings that would be given to them later by extension agents.
Odedina who assured the participants that government would continue to support them through intervention projects and programmes, emphasised that Governor Abiodun remained committed to making Ogun the food basket of the nation.
He charged them to always get clarification from appropriate quarters instead of wrong information posted on social media.
Odedina added that beneficiaries would be linked to off-takers at regulated prices among others, saying the ABP intervention was not a grant but a loan, which must be repaid with little interest, hence the need to utilise the knowledge gained for maximum profit.
Representative of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Adekunle Badejo noted that among the various intervention programmes of CBN, agriculture takes the central stage, stressing the need for less dependence on oil.
Guest Speaker,Mrs. Omolara Aina
delivering lecture on the topic "Good Agricultural Practices in Cassava Production", disclosed that government had arranged extension agents, who would guide them and monitor their activities at every stage
She charged them to take cognizance of weed control to avoid their crops from being chocked.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Albert Adewunmi described the training as a laudable exercise, appreciating the State government for smooth registration process and procurement of farm lands for all participants.
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