Today, 30th September 2024, the Adamawa State Food Security Committee held a strategic meeting with Hadiza Yaro, the Country Director for East-West Seeds (Nigeria), focused on improving vegetable cultivation among smallholder farmers in the state. The meeting, chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Awwal D. Tukur, and attended by the Chairman of the Food Security Committee, Dr. Dishi Khobe, alongside other committee members, explored key issues and opportunities for boosting vegetable production.
Key highlights of the meeting included the following:
- Adamawa’s Vegetable Production Strengths: The committee acknowledged Adamawa State as a major producer of a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, onions, chili pepper, bell pepper, cucumbers, and leafy greens. These crops are essential to the state’s agricultural landscape.
- Challenges Facing Farmers: The discussion identified the pressing issue of postharvest losses, largely driven by the lack of high-quality seeds, inadequate storage and processing infrastructure, limited market access, and low technical expertise among farmers. These challenges have hindered farmers from fully benefiting from the state’s agricultural potential.
- Partnership with East West Seeds: Recognizing the vast economic potential of the vegetable sector, the committee emphasized the importance of collaborating with East West Seeds. This partnership will aim to equip farmers with better-quality seeds, improve their technical knowledge, and enhance market access to boost income and food security.
- Next Steps: The Food Security Committee committed to further engaging with East West Seeds to develop a comprehensive intervention plan. This template will focus on addressing the identified challenges and maximizing the economic benefits of vegetable cultivation for smallholder farmers in Adamawa.
The meeting marks a significant step forward in Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector and enhancing food security in the state. Through targeted interventions and strategic partnerships, the government aims to empower farmers, reduce postharvest losses, and improve livelihoods across Adamawa State.