NDE trains 50 women in agriculture in Jigawa

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Jigawa said 50 women are currently being trained in five agricultural farming schemes.

Muhammad Sambo, NDE Coordinator in Jigawa, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse that the training was being conducted under the directorate’s Off-Season Agricultural Production Training Scheme (OSAPTS).

He said the training was for three months; one month for theoretical training and two months attachment in a designated and well-established farm.

The coordinator said the beneficiaries had already undergone the one month theoretical training in market gardening, poultry production, small ruminant production aquaculture, processing and marketing.

According to him, the beneficiaries are attached to various well-established farm centres in the state, to be trained for three months.

“The shortage of food and the increase in prices have become a strong catalyst to increase rural agricultural activities.

“In times past, before the flood gates of importation were opened, the NDE beneficiaries of agricultural farming scheme did well.

“The present time now provides opportunities for successful farming activities.

“It is in line with this, together with the winding up of the rainy season, that the directorate is proposing to engage 12 states in Off-Season Agricultural Production Training Scheme.

“This is meant to bridge the gap between the present rainy season and the coming one in April 2017.

“The selected states are: Niger, Abia, Benue, Kwara, Ondo, Zamfara, Delta, Cross River, Jigawa, Gombe, Ogun and Anambra,” he said.

Sambo said that 600 participants would be trained at 50 people per state.