ibironkeeniola 
Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Hon. Mustapha Baba Shehuri has expressed optimism over the future of agriculture in the country, as he lauded the efforts of youths over the establishment of a fast-growing farm in Nasarawa.
Hon. Shehuri gave the commendation when he visited the Nigeria Farmers’ Group and Cooperative Society (NFGCS) farm in Gaate, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State to oversee the facilities and activities of the farm.
According to the Minister, the youths have forfeited illegal vices such as cybercrimes to venture into agriculture, thereby accumulating enough wealth to cater to their needs. He added that this has paved the way for other youths in the country to see agriculture as a means of creating a living for themselves.
The NFGCS farm in Nasarawa grows and processes different farm produce including rice, poultry, livestock, crops, etc., which they supply to several companies including hotels in Lagos and other states. The farm also has a unit where they fabricate farm equipment, part of which they utilize on the farm.
The Management of the NFGCS on their part, however, appealed to the ministry to provide the farm with mechanical support, as well as farm inputs and chemicals.
Responding to the plea, the Minister who extended an invitation to the NFGCS, assured them of the necessary supports to bolster their activities. He said, “We will contribute our own quota as a government to optimize their productivity. What I saw on the farm is the definition of real Agriculture.”
Hon. Shehuri further commended the approach of NFGCS farm management towards incentivizing communities, citing it as a plausible way to ending the Farmers/Herders crisis in Nigeria. He also called on the Governors across Nigeria to take a leaf from the booklet of the farm, in order to impact on the livelihood of Nigerians.
SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA