Sign in Subscribe
Youth

President Buhari Launches National Young Farmers Scheme to Promote Modern Farming

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

President Muhammadu Buhari has launched the National Young Farmers Scheme, designed by the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), to promote modern farming methods and encourage youth participation in agriculture. The scheme, which aims to engage 1,000 farmers from each of the 774 Local Government Areas, is expected to create 774,000 direct employment opportunities annually. The President emphasized the importance of agriculture to the Nigerian economy, stating that it is the largest contributor to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Young Farmers Scheme aims to engage 1,000 farmers from each of the 774 Local Government Areas, creating 774,000 direct employment opportunities annually.
  • President Buhari has directed that all NALDA's abandoned farm estates be retrieved to enable thousands of young men and women to be engaged in farming.
  • The President has assured that an enabling environment will be created for full participation in the scheme and has directed the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and State Governments to give full cooperation to NALDA in its activities.
  • The scheme is expected to benefit 4,333 families and many more individuals and families as the program is rolled out.
  • Senator Ahmed Lawan commended President Buhari for his steadfastness in repositioning the agricultural sector since coming to office.
  • The Executive Secretary/CEO of NALDA, Paul Ikonne, stated that the resuscitation of NALDA after close to 20 years of abandonment will go a long way in reducing unemployment in the country, especially among the youth.
  • Goodwill messages were given by a representative of the Young Farmers, Fatima Usman Musa, and Denmark Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Jesper Kamp.
  • Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, also participated in the event.

Statistics:

  • 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria
  • 1,000 farmers from each Local Government Area (expected)
  • 774,000 direct employment opportunities annually (expected)
  • 4,333 families have benefited from the scheme so far
  • Close to 20 years of abandonment of NALDA before its resuscitation

Sources:

  • Premium Times
  • AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com)
  • Femi Adesina (Special Adviser to the President)
  • National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA)
  • National Young Farmers Scheme

Read more