NCRI Outstation Bacita Parleys KCDI on Kwara Young Farmers’ Club Implementation
The research outstation of the National Cereals Research Institute, Bacita has partnered Kwara Citizenship Development Initiative( KCDI) to implement a special agricultural technology extension project by Young Farmers Club.
The project also received backing of Kwara elites known as the Kwara Tabloid Forum to implement it in four high schools.
A post JICA KCCP Action Project initiated by a JICA ex Research Fellow and the Head of Station of NCRI research station, Bacita, Abioye Mumeen reached field phase with inspection in selected schools.
The initiator of the project in company of the convener of Kwara Tabloid Forum; Tunde Bakare moved round the implementation schools to inspect clubs’ demonstration fields and to donate farm implements, inputs and safety wears provided by KCDI to the club members.
In his remark, Mumeen said the young farmers club project is aimed at fostering the sense of agricultural productivity amongst the younger generations of the country.
He said the project will strategically contribute to the reversal of the current trajectory of agricultural enterprise largely considered as a venture for the illiterates or the lowest strata of the society.
He said Nigerians must encourage the young ones to cultivate the mindset of productivity which is a verified catalyst to the economic development and greatness of countries like Japan.
Mumeen, while assuring stakeholders of the potential of the project to contribute to the agricultural development of the state, appreciates the Executive Director of the National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi; Dr. M.E. Abo and his management team for providing the platform for collaboration with the other implementing partners.
He used the opportunity to appreciate Engr Sunday Babalola,the founder of KCDI for the support as well as the state government for granting approval for the use of government schools.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency( JICA) was also well appreciated for the KCCP training.
The project is currently underway in four schools in the state namely; Government Secondary School Omuaran ( Kwara South), Etsu Abdullah High School, Bacita( Kwara North), GSS Gwanara( Kwara North) and Community Secondary School, Panada, Ilorin East for Kwara Central.