ibironkeeniola 
The Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP) has announced plans to train 50 Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and 50 Higher National Diploma (HND) students in Kano on livestock production, crop management and extension services delivery.
The training, according to project organisers, will take place in polytechnics and colleges of agriculture across the state.
State Programme Coordinator, Malam Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, made the announcement on Wednesday while receiving in his office a delegation from the Federal College of Agricultural Produce Technology (FCAPT) in Kano.
Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, launched the $95 million KSADP in February 2020 to fast-track agricultural activities and food security programmes.
The five-year-long project is being financed by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Life and Livelihoods Fund (LLF).
Speaking during the launch of the project at Tahir Guest Palace in Kano, Ganduje had explained that the scheme was aimed at contributing towards poverty reduction.
The scheme also seeks to strengthen Kano State’s food security through the development of agro-pastoral production systems in the state, the governor had said.
Speaking on the new plan, the state coordinator explained that the training became important considering the state’s comparative advantage in agriculture.
Muhammad said, “It is critical to educate prospective agricultural workers in Kano because agricultural literacy is key to managing the state’s abundant natural potentials and to do that significantly in view of the need to ensure food and nutrition security for its growing population.”
The KSADP boss also noted that the Project would collaborate with the FCAPT and other similar tertiary institutions to assist in the training of students to acquire agricultural skills using innovative knowledge support tools.
“The project will also support special training on grain handling for Dawanau market commodity associations to improve quality and safety of commodities that go into international markets. Therefore, your institution will be of tremendous assistance in this direction,” he added.
Muhammad further disclosed plans to train pastoralists, milk processors, animal marketers and para-vets, adding that it is part of deliberate strategies to make KSADP sustainable and result-oriented.
On his part, Provost of the FCAPT, Muhammad Hadi Ibrahim, explained that the institution’s partnership with KSADP became important considering the Project’s key role to the agricultural development of Kano State and Nigeria at large.
Ibrahim, who was represented by the institution’s Academic Secretary, Sirajo Salisu, noted that the college has the mandate to train middle-level manpower for the agricultural industry.
He outlined areas of training to include, among others, postharvest processing and preservation and storage of agricultural produce.
“The college also organizes training for farmers, cooperative groups, youth and women associations, on agricultural produce processing, preservation and storage, all with the aim of empowering them for self-employment and improved food security”, he explained.
SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA