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IITA, FCTA agree to boost agriculture programmes

By Raph Christopher 

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) with  the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have agreed to work together in area of capacity building and application of research findings in agricultural production.


The duo said the initiative would about new technology and improve seedlings within and outside the FCT.


FCT Acting secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat ,ARDS, Ibe Chukwuemeka pledged the secretariat readiness when IITA presented seedlings and other varieties of crops to the secretariat.


Chukwuemeka who was represented by the Director, Agricultural Services, Dr. Nkem Akanegbu, expressed the appreciation of the Administration for the gesture which she noted will have the multiplier effect of increasing farm yield, improve the quality of the farm produce and income for farmers.
She expressed delight that the Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations is beginning to yield the positive results as demonstrated in the donation of the improved seeds, reiterating the commitment of the Administration to supporting the Agricultural research of the institute which is critical in the quest to attain food security.


The Director disclosed that as part of efforts by the Administration to address the issue of youth unemployment and poverty, the Agriculture & Rural Development Secretariat has been working with the Area Council Authorities to mobilise interested farmers to participate in the training programmes of the institute.


Nkem noted that the Seeds will be distributed to farmers as well as cooperative groups.


“I wish to commend the IITA for this support which is very timely in view of the fact that we are at the beginning of the new farming system.


The role of quality seeds in Agricultural Development of any nation is not in doubt, high quality seeds are vital to increasing food production. Quality seeds are the fuel for Agricultural development”.

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