Nguru: The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) on Tuesday distributed improved crop seeds to farmers in the Maja-kura community of Nguru and announced plans to establish a seed bank. This initiative is part of a climate change adaptation effort supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Yobe.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Harry Junior, Coordinator of the NCF Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands Conservation Project, stated that the improved seeds, which include soybean, cowpeas, sorghum, and millet, would be stored in the seed bank since the planting season has concluded. This measure aims to ensure future access for farmers during upcoming farming seasons. The initiative will also function as an exchange program, whereby farmers supply crop residues post-harvest in return for seedlings. The residues will be processed into animal feed and packaged, offering additional income for the communities.
Mr. Junior further explained that the project will engage and train youths in processing animal feeds, while women will benefit from packaging and sales, ultimately strengthening household income. The initiative aims to empower and promote skill acquisition and sustainable income generation for farmers, while also addressing youth restiveness and reducing women’s redundancy.
Dr. Michael Nkereuwem, a senior lecturer at the Department of Crop/Soil Science, Federal University Dutse, provided insights to the beneficiaries on the advantages of improved seeds for climate change adaptation. He detailed planting methods, benefits, and maturity duration of these improved seeds.
The event saw the presence of key stakeholders, including officials from Yobe’s Ministry of Agriculture, Nguru Local Government Area, Yobe Ministry of Environment, and traditional leaders from the beneficiary communities. Al-amin Umar, the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Nguru Local Government Area, expressed satisfaction with the quality of seeds distributed to the farmers. He highlighted that the improved varieties are free from pests and diseases, and that farmers received training on appropriate planting methods, including seed quantity per hole and proper spacing.
“I am very impressed with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation. They have lived up to their promise to support multiple communities in Nguru Local Government,” Umar remarked.
