Agro-Input Dealers in Kano were on Wednesday equipped with skills and knowledge as part of efforts to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in Kano State by HortiNigeria.
According to the Agribusiness Coordinator, at HortiNigeria Danjuma Makama, the training aims to empower 23 agro-dealers creating a ripple effect that will benefit the entire Agribusiness Clusters (ABC) being established in collaboration with Actors across the various nodes of the value chain in Kano State.
The initiative he said, is part of HortiNigeria’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s horticulture sector through capacity building and sustainable development practices.
He added that by investing in the education and empowerment of agro-dealers, HortiNigeria is contributing to improving food and nutrition security of Kano State and Nigeria as a whole.
“By providing these key players with the tools and knowledge they need, we are laying the foundation for a more productive, sustainable, and inclusive horticulture subsector.”
HortiNigeria, a Dutch-funded horticultural program implemented in Kano, Kaduna, Ogun, and Oyo states, is conducting a comprehensive training program for agro-dealers from the various intervention areas the program operates, including Kumbotso, Rimin Gado, Dawakin Kudu, Dawakin Tofa, Tofa, Garko, Bichi and Minjibir LGA’s in Kano state.
The training is part of HortiNigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen the horticulture subsector value chain, aiming to equip local agro-dealers with advanced knowledge and skills, fostering a strong Agribusiness Clusters (ABCs) in the State.
The training will comprise of a diverse group of agro-dealers, including retailers of seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs. Over the course of two days (26th-27th March 2024), participants will engage in a curriculum designed to cover business management themes including sales, marketing, and business skills.
He further revealed that, currently, HortiNigeria is implementing a Tuta Absoluta IPM Campaign, where Agro-input dealers will play a critical role.
“They will provide farmers with advisory services on the solutions to tackle the pest while providing the necessary inputs to deal with it.
“Beyond this, as the first point of contact for farmers, agro-input dealers offer access to improved seeds, quality fertilizers, and agrochemicals, crucial for producing high-quality vegetables.
“They also act as trusted advisors in their communities, providing expert guidance on the optimal use of seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals.
“These critical roles are the reasons trainings such as this are important, bolstering their skills and knowledge to enable agro-input dealers carry out their roles effectively”, Makama said.
Some participants who spoke with journalists at the event expressed profound appreciation to HortiNigeria for the training which they described “timely and long anticipated”.
According to them, with the training, Agro-dealers in the state now know when and what to supply farmers at the right time which will assist them in greatly in their businesses.