The Federal Government/International Fund for Agricultural Development (FGN/IFAD) Value Chain Development Program (VCDP), in collaboration with Olam Agri, Hello Tractor and Heifer International, trained 180 extension officers in Benue State mechanized agriculture to boost food production. .

The Head of Knowledge Management and Communication of FGN/FIDA-VCDP, David Abellegah, who disclosed this in a statement, informed that the partnership aims to improve mechanized agriculture to attract youth participation.

According to him, the training organized at the Benue Center For Enterprise Development & Innovation (BENCEDI) in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, was aimed at equipping extension workers with the required skills and knowledge in mechanized agriculture, for transfer to farmers, particularly during the dry period. season.

According to him, “this will help improve agricultural practices, including land preparation and access to modern equipment.”

Hello Tractor’s head of farmer engagement, John Pelumi, in a remark highlighted the deliberate focus on young people aged 18-34, with 50% female participation, adding that mechanized farming will make agriculture more attractive to young people.

The communications manager explained that as part of the partnership, Hello Tractor and Heifer International finance the purchase of tractors and support young agritech entrepreneurs, Olam Agri and VCDP organize training for extension agents while FIDA-VCDP , in collaboration with Hello Tractor, is expanding tractor recruitment. services to farmers in the nine local government areas where the projects are implemented.

Abellegah, who cited some of the beneficiaries including Moses Ogaba, Samuel Yough and Regina Atsewe, said they all expressed enthusiasm to apply their new knowledge to improve their farming practices.

While recognizing that the partnership will revolutionize mechanized farming in the state and increase productivity and output of farmers, Abellegah maintains that she is committed to empowering the next generation of farmers.