By Auwal Ilyasu, Gombe
The Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin Kowa in Gombe state has trained 4,000 youths and women on Cucumber, Pineapple Production and horticultural best practices in the state.
The program which was flagged off on Monday in Gombe, was initiated by the college in collaboration with Galaxy Interlink Nigeria Ltd and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. According to the provost of the college, Dr Babawuro Mahmud, the training aims to tackle the growing threat of food insecurity by equipping participants with practical skills and resources to engage in productive horticulture and agriculture.
Mahmud who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Ibrahim Isiaka, disclosed that the initiative is targeted at empowering individuals who are willing to work but lack the technical knowledge and financial capacity to meaningfully contribute to food production.
“Many people are hardworking but do not have the knowledge or capital to make an impact in agriculture. This training will not only build their capacity but also provide them with starter packs to enable them to invest in food production and processing,” he explained.
He noted that the intervention is part of broader efforts to promote food security and economic empowerment in Gombe State, stressing that participants are expected to replicate the knowledge gained in their respective communities.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers in the state, the District Head of Doma, Abdullahi Maikano, urged trainees to take the program seriously and make judicious use of the opportunity. He commended the organisers for prioritising the empowerment of youth and women, describing the training as a timely intervention in addressing both unemployment and food shortages.
According to the organisers, the training covers various aspects of horticultural production, processing, and marketing, with the overall goal of boosting agricultural productivity and creating sustainable livelihoods across the state.
