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