NIRSAL empowers 2,000 farmers in four states

Non-bank financial institution, Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending Plc, has empowered over 2,000 farmers in its recently concluded mid-year training programme targeting lead farmers and extension agents.

The programme took place across Imo, Sokoto, Kwara, and Oyo States, with training focused on the Aquaculture and Cassava value chains.

According to a statement, the mid-year training programme aimed to equip farmers with the necessary skills to access and repay commercial loans.

NIRSAL said it promoted the agro geo-cooperative approach to primary production in the training by targeting lead farmers who had the expertise to disseminate knowledge within their cooperatives.

According to the institution, the training in Imo State concentrated on efficient fish production models, with sessions held in both urban and rural locations, drawing over 500 participants.

Sokoto State witnessed a similar focus on aquaculture, while Oyo and Kwara States concentrated on cassava farming.

The Imo State House Committee Chairman on Agriculture, Uche Agabige, commended NIRSAL for its inclusive approach and noted his belief that the training would complement state efforts to boost agricultural productivity.

The Head of Value Chain Capacity Development at NIRSAL, Ibrahim Suleiman, highlighted the simultaneous nature of the training across three other states.

According to Suleiman, the lead farmers and extension agents are expected to extend their training to an estimated 6,000 farmers.

NIRSAL, in Oyo State, reported getting appreciation from the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development and the Akinyele Local Government Chairman.

While in Kwara State, the institution was commended by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Farmers’ Interventions.