The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) under the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), has distributed agro-produce processing equipment to youths and women cooperatives in Anambra.
The programme valued the distributed equipment at N310 million.
The Anambra State Project Coordinator of FGN/IFAD-VCDP, Mrs Deborah Onyefulu, presented them to 20 newly trained fabricators and cooperatives during a ceremony in Awka on Wednesday.
Onyefulu said the distribution represented the second tranche of the programme’s empowerment initiative in the state.
She said the initiative was strengthening agricultural value chains and enhancing livelihoods.
She explained that the start-up packs for the trained youths in welding and fabrication included standby generators, starter and welding machines.
“Others are inverter welding machines, filing and drilling machines, container bodies, angle machines, tool sets and grinding machines.
“The programme also distributed complete sets of cassava processing equipment valued at N100 million.
“Women cooperatives received them under a 70 per cent to 30 per cent cost-sharing arrangement.
“Creche materials worth N30 million were provided to support nursing mothers during processing activities,”she said.
Onyefulu said the 20 youth beneficiaries, comprising 18 males and two female.
She said they were selected from the nine local government areas where the FGN/IFAD/VCDP is being implemented in Anambra.
“I commend the trainees for their commitment and successful completion of the programme.
“They should deploy the skills and equipment to improve their livelihoods and contribute to community development,”she said.
Onyefulu said a monitoring and mentorship team had been constituted.
“The team will ensure optimal utilisation of the equipment and sustained impact of the intervention.
“We appreciate tthe Anambra State Government for providing an enabling environment for the effective implementation of the programme, “she added.
Inaugurating the distribution, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Foster Ihejiofor, commended the VCDP for the intervention.
Ihejiofor noted that it aligned with the agricultural transformation agenda of the Soludo administration.
He said the processing equipment for garri, rice and vegetables would help reduce post-harvest losses and contribute to lowering food prices.
The Commissioner urged the beneficiaries to apply their improved skills and modern equipment to boost productivity.
“Ensure you stimulate healthy competition and make food more affordable in the state, “he said.
Beneficiaries’ Response
One of the beneficiaries, Ms Rose Machi from Ayamelum LGA, expressed gratitude to VCDP and the Anambra government.
She pledged to make judicious use of the training and equipment.
Similarly, Mr Chinecherem Ibe from Orumba said the support would enable him not only to practice his acquired skills but also to train others in his community.
