An agriculture firm, Wal-wanne Group has unveiled an initiative aimed at transforming agriculture through the training of 500 organisations on digital smart-farming and the empowerment of 20,000 farmers with advanced vertical farming technologies.
Vertical farming, which involves growing crops in stacked layers, often incorporates controlled-environment agriculture, optimising plant growth and resource efficiency.
Chairman of Wal-wanne Group, Dr. Abiso Kabir, who made this known while interacting with journalists in in Abuja, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, focusing on economic diversification and youth employment.
Kabir said the training which will commence in June to December 2025, will feature modern agricultural practices, with the trainees coming in phases to understudy vertical farming technologies.
By focusing on modern techniques and youth empowerment, the agricultural stakeholder noted that the effort aligns with national objectives of economic diversification, food security, and job creation, offering renewed hope for the nation’s agricultural future.
He added that his organisations can significantly increase crop yields while minimising land use.
In addition to organisational training, Kabir said the initiative aims to empower 20,000 farmers, focusing on youth, by equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to implement vertical farming techniques.
This approach, he said, not only enhances food production but also creates employment opportunities for young Nigerians, addressing the critical issue of youth unemployment.
He said: “This initiative is in harmony with President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which prioritises economic diversification and job creation.
“By focusing on agriculture, a sector that has historically been the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, Walwanne Group’s efforts contribute to national goals of achieving food security and reducing dependence on oil revenues.
While noting that Walwanne Group has a history of active participation in agricultural development programs, he said the company embraced the Federal Government’s Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP), collaborating with local farmers in Borno State to enhance rice production.
Through the ABP, he noted that Walwanne Group provided farmers with essential inputs such as fertilisers, seedlings, and insecticides at subsidized rates, leading to increased yields and improved livelihoods.
He however emphasised the importance of government support in enhancing agricultural exports.
Kabir said he has advocated for policies that facilitate the export of Nigerian agricultural produce to international markets, including the United Kingdom and Asia, aiming to position Nigeria as a leading exporter in West Africa.
He maintained rhat the ambition reflects a commitment to not only boosting the nation’s economy but also promoting the quality and diversity of Nigerian produce internationally.
Speaking on the challenges of the sector, he said challenges such as poorly processed local rice have been prevalent.
Kabir attributes this issue to low-budget processing mills and a lack of technical know-how.
He further called for increased government support to rice millers to improve processing techniques and enhance the quality of local rice, making it more competitive in both local and international markets.
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