More than 300 farmers and aspiring agripreneurs in Delta Central received essential agricultural starter packs on Friday at the grand finale of the two-day agriculture and food security training and empowerment programme facilitated by Senator Ede Dafinone.
The initiative, held at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre, Effurun, provided practical training in crop cultivation and fish farming, equipping participants with the necessary skills and tools to launch their agribusiness ventures.
Each beneficiary received a starter pack tailored to their training module. Those trained in “Pest Resistance Vegetables: Tomatoes, Pepper, Maize, and Groundnuts” on the first day were provided with high-yield seedlings, fertilisers, and pest control chemicals.
Meanwhile, participants from the second-day session on “Fishponds and Fingerlings (Juvenile) Fish Farming” received fish feeds, fingerlings, and pond treatment kits.
The distribution highlighted Senator Dafinone’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and youth empowerment.
Speaking at the ceremony, Senator Dafinone reaffirmed his dedication to addressing unemployment and food insecurity through agribusiness. “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy.
With these starter packs, you are not just farmers but entrepreneurs who will contribute to food production and economic growth,” he declared.
He urged the beneficiaries to apply their training effectively and assured them of continued support.
The training, conducted in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Abuja, featured agricultural experts who provided hands-on guidance on modern techniques.
Resource persons led sessions on soil management, irrigation, pest control, and market integration strategies for vegetable farming.
Fish farming trainees were trained in pond construction, water quality management, breeding techniques, and disease prevention.
Master Trainer Mr. Obasi Sunday instructed participants on tomato and pepper production, while Mrs. Raheem Adejoke Arike covered good agricultural practices for maize cultivation.
Mrs. Olabisi Oladele emphasised groundnut disease control and soil fertility, and Mrs. T. Adeshola introduced innovative methods for high-yield okra farming.
On fish farming day, aquaculture expert Ogechi Happiness Ewa trained participants on sustainable fishpond management and profit-maximisation strategies.
For many beneficiaries, the starter packs symbolised a fresh start. Mrs. Ogechi Ewa, a Senior Agricultural Officer and trainer, praised the programme’s impact: “With the enthusiasm shown here, I foresee a transformation in agribusiness across Delta Central.”
Participants shared their excitement, with Ogiechi Excellent stating, “I now understand fish farming better. In a few months, I will be running my own business.”
Olorogun Ejemudaro Salubi, Head of Projects for Senator Dafinone, announced post-training monitoring plans to ensure beneficiaries effectively utilise their starter packs.
“This initiative is not just about training but long-term impact. We will follow up to ensure you are progressing in your farming journey,” she assured participants.
Victor Bajere, a first-time fish farmer, acknowledged the programme’s value: “I used to think agriculture was for subsistence, but now I see the business potential.”
Another participant, Odia Antonia Sheke, added, “With the starter pack, I can start immediately. I appreciate Senator Dafinone’s commitment to our future.”
The empowerment programme aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda and President Bola Tinubu’s national strategy to boost food production and employment.
With the training’s successful conclusion, stakeholders anticipate a surge in agribusiness activities across Delta Central, potentially reducing youth unemployment and strengthening food security.
By investing in agricultural knowledge and providing tangible resources, Senator Dafinone has positioned Delta Central’s youth and women for economic independence, reinforcing agriculture as a viable pathway to prosperity.
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