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 worth N310 million to youths and women cooperatives in Anambra.
The items were presented to 20 newly trained fabricators and cooperatives by the Anambra State Project Coordinator of FGN/IFAD-VCDP, Mrs Deborah Onyefulu, during a ceremony held 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, inverter welding machines, filing and drilling machines, container bodies, angle machines, tool sets and grinding machines.
According to her, complete sets of cassava processing equipment valued at N100 million were also distributed to women cooperatives under a 70 per cent to 30 per cent cost-sharing arrangement, while creche materials worth N30 million were provided to support nursing mothers during processing activities.
Onyefulu said the 20 youth beneficiaries, comprising 18 males and two females, were selected from the nine local government areas where the FGN/IFAD/VCDP is being implemented in Anambra.
She commended the trainees for their commitment and successful completion of the programme.
She urged them to deploy the skills and equipment to improve their livelihoods and contribute to community development.
The project coordinator added that a monitoring and mentorship team had been constituted to ensure optimal utilisation of the equipment and sustained impact of the intervention.
She also appreciated the Anambra State Government for providing an enabling environment for the effective implementation of the programme.
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.
He urged the beneficiaries to apply their improved skills and modern equipment to boost productivity, stimulate healthy competition and make food more affordable.
One of the beneficiaries, Ms Rose Machi from Ayamelum LGA, expressed gratitude to VCDP and the Anambra government.
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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.
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