NEPC assures commitment in export promotion

Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has assured it’s commitment in export promotion, saying it will continue to work assiduously within it’s  mandate , ensuring that  producers and exporters export quality products that will not be rejected but compete favourably with other products in the international market.

The Regional Coordinator,NEPC, South East Region, MacPherson Fred-Ileogben made this known on Thursday  in Nsukka ,in his address at a One-Day capacity building programme on good agricultural practices for smallholder farmers in Enugu north senatorial zone,with the theme “getting it right from the farm-gate to grow non-oil exports” Organised by NEPC in Conjunction with  Enugu AUDA- NEPAD office .

Pix: NEPC ,South East Coordinator, MacPherson Fred-Ileogben

He said  Nigerian Export Promotion Council is the Federal Government’s apex agency for the promotion of non-oil exports and  has over the years embarked on training/capacity building, dissemination of market information, matching Nigerian exporters with potential buyers, advisory and coaching services, mentorship, administration of export incentives, support in trade promotion services, support for youth and women in exports and as well facilitated non-mandatory certifications for SMEs in Enugu State, among others.

‘ We will continue to work assiduously within our mandate to ensure producers and exporters export quality products that will not be rejected but compete favourably with other products in the international market,” he said .      

 He noted that  “Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy especially in this region where many depend on farming for their livelihoods”.

 

Fred-Ileogben described the training as apt, adding that  participating in the  programme was a significant step towards empowering the farmers with the requisite knowledge and skills needed to improve productivity and enhance the quality of produce for the local and international market. 

“As the market for agricultural products continues to develop and change over time globally, it is important to get it right especially with farmers who are the primary producers. If we do not get it right at the farm-gate, the entire value chain up to the market would be adversely impacted. 

“The implication of this can best be imagined. Therefore, adopting best practices and aligning with international standards to ensure that our produce meets the quality demanded by the global market cannot be overemphasized but also vital for our economic growth and the sustainability of our agricultural sector.

“By adopting these practices, you will not only increase your yield but also make your products more competitive in the international market, thereby contributing to the growth of our economy,” he said.

He urged participants to engage actively, and learn  the best practices and standards that would drive agricultural sector forward and boost the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.

The Regional Coordinator commended the Enugu State Government, Enugu State AUDA-NEPAD Office, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on SDGs, Engr. Onyinye Akubuilo-Okpalanma for their roles and strategic partnership in ensuring that the programme was a huge success. 

He looked forward to more collaborations towards ensuring that  farmers and other value chain players in the non-oil export sector produce quality products for the global market. 

Pix-SSA ,SDGs/ State Coordinator,AUDA- NEPAD, Onyinye Akubuilo -Okpalanma 

Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goal, and State Coordinator, for African  Union Development  Agency- New Partnership  for African Development (AUDA- NEPAD) Onyinye Akubuilo -Okpalanma  said in AUDA+

– NEPAD they had a  program,” innovative Strengthening of  Small Holder farmers towards  productive land restoration and  the programme was developed by AUDA- NEPAD Continental , the  African body and it was being mainstreamed  at every state, within 22 states that  signed up in Nigeria by  the NEPAD national office and Enugu state happened to be one of the states selected  for the implementation of the program.

Pix- Participants

The Senior Special Assistant said  the program  aims to strengthen the capacity of SmallHolder farmers  so that they  will begin to farm in a larger quantity. It was also geared at ending poverty in our nation and increasing yield  of farmers.

“Today ,Enugu state office had partnered Nigeria Export Promotion Council,South East Regional office . For the participants, a lot has been said to them today. and listening through , they are like advanced Course for them that are already in the farming business.. So, it’s for them to go back and implement  these new strategies that they had been told. So, that we will begin to have increased yield . 

” This program will not just  end there. This is like a first batch of it we will pick it to the other two senatorial zones, subsequently, we will begin to step  it down , local  government by  local government, ward by ward to have more of our farmers.

Pix- Resource person, Mgbeokwelu Eugenia,

On her part, a Resource person, Mgbeokwelu Eugenia, in her presentation noted that the problem farmers  have is that they  don’ t know how to  plan their  farming system . Planning is the key. She advised farmers to   always plan, source their  materials, , carry out soil test to know the type of soil and the fertility of the land .and what to plant , to weed early , apply fertilizer.

Author- Maureen Ikpeama

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