By Gloria Abutu
The need for farmers to adopt good agricultural practices was the focus of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Forum for Selected Farmers held in Yola, the Adamawa state capital.
With the theme “NEPC Intervention for Increased Production of One-State-One-Product (OSOP) for Export in Adamawa State,” the event aimed to support local farmers in enhancing production standards to meet export requirements.
In his welcome address, NEPC North East Regional Coordinator, John Okorie emphasised Adamawa’s comparative advantage in groundnut production, with over 16 local government areas actively cultivating the crop.
Okorie confirmed NEPC’s commitment to bolstering agricultural output by providing three layers of support to 40 selected farmers—20 specializing in groundnut and 20 in soyabeans.
The intervention includes sprayers, improved seeds, and organic fertilizers, aimed at promoting high-quality production and reducing excessive chemical use that could hinder international market access.
He encouraged the state to take ownership of the project and urged farmers to embrace sustainable farming methods to meet international market standards.
Representing the Commissioner of Agriculture, Professor David Finchuwa-Jatau, Director of Engineering Engineer Ishaya Samuila Atiwurcha affirmed the Ministry’s support for NEPC’s initiatives.
He urged farmers to leverage available interventions while noting ongoing efforts to revive the state’s fertilizer blending plant.
He added that the government is committed to equipping smallholder farmers with necessary tools and has approved the empoyment of 500 agricultural extension officers to enhance agricultural productivity across Adamawa.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Trade, Commerce, and Industry, Dr. Ishaya John Dabari, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Saso Benson stressed the importance of grassroots training programs on sustainable agricultural practices.
She also lamented the trend of farm products being credited to other states despite originating from Adamawa.
Mrs Benson who is also the Chairperson, Adamawa State Committee on Export Promotion, urged the farmers to use the support for its intended purpose to ensure it fosters long-term agricultural growth.
State Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kabiru Ibrahim expressed gratitude to NEPC for the intervention, pointing out that beneficiaries were chosen based on merit.
He encouraged farmers to pursue exports actively and recommended cluster farming for ease of management and monitoring.
Ibrahim also mentioned the allocation of land to the farmers to promote effective use of the intervention.
Representatives from the Soyabeans Farmers Association and the Groundnut Farmers Association —Henna Thomas Dariya and Alhaji Umaru Garba Tula— expressed their appreciation for NEPC’s support.
Alhaji Garba Tula highlighted the economic importance of crops like groundnut, describing it as foundational to Nigeria’s development.
They pledged their associations’ cooperation to boost production in the state.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of sprayers to the 40 selected farmers, who pledged to leverage the intervention to increase exports from Adamawa State and achieve the OSOP goals.
