The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria in collaboration with East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer (EWS-KT) of Wageningen University has released support funds to International Fertilizer Development Center in launching “HortiNigeria programme – a programme aims at supporting development of the Horticulture sector in Nigeria.
Speaking at the official launch of HortiNigeria yesterday in Abuja, Mohammed Salasi Idris, Programme Director of HortiNigeria said the Programme aims to support Nigeria in building a sustainable and gender and youth Inclusive Horticulture sector that contributes to food and Nutrition security in the country.
“HortiNigeria intends to boost the productivity and income of 60,000 smallholder farmers (50% youth and 40% women) by introducing eco-efficient agronomic practices. Acreage under sustainable cultivation will be increased by 15,000 hectares.
“HortiNigeria is currently being implemented in Kano, Kaduna, Ogun and Oyo States, focusing on Tomato, Okra, Onion and Pepper value chains, and will work through four components. All activities are focused on Vegetables for domestic markets”.
Salasi added that seasonal risks will be reduced by promoting innovations and regional diversification to 2,000 entrepreneurial farmers. Additionally, the programme will Increase access to finance for 50 Agricultural-related SMEs and enhance sector Coordination and will facilitate 200 business to business linkages in all four states.
He added that, by the end of 2025, HortiNigeria would paint a story about 60,000 motivated farmers producing more and better-quality vegetables for the market with annual incremental value of 9.7milion Euros.
“Many of these farmers will be young men and women injecting energy which will accelerate the development of a healthy vibrant vegetable sector benefitting rural communities which they live as well as the entire country” Salasi said.