WACOT Rice Limited, a member of the Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group, yesterday said it has concluded the Argungu Outgrower Expansion Programme (AOEP), with no fewer than 7,600 outgrower farmers benefitting.
The firm, in a statement, said the AOEP is a collaborative initiative with the USAID-funded West Africa Trade and Investment Hub aimed at enhancing rice production in Nigeria.
Initiated in 2020, the programme was designed to leverage the company’s existing outgrower programme to improve the livelihood of smallholder farmers by providing access to essential agricultural inputs, financing, and training on Yield Enhancement Techniques (YET), and Good Agronomic Practices (GAP).
Aside from the support to over 5,000 farmers, notable achievements of the programme include job creation, increased inclusion of youths and women, improved food security, enhanced agricultural yield, sustainable land management, and expanded access to financing, all contributing to the sustainable growth of rice production in Nigeria.
Read Also; Wigwe: Death is full of hubris
The closing held on February 13, featuring speeches from dignitaries, including the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Abubakar Bagudu, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, and the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Mera.
Haven overseen the launch of the Outgrower Expansion Programme during his tenure as Kebbi Governor, Bagudu emphasised the positive outcomes achieved through the collaboration between TGI Group and the West Africa Trade and Investment Hub, underscoring the potential of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable development.
Governor Idris, represented by his Chief of Staff, Attahiru Maccido, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the significant contribution of the outgrower programme to the development of Kebbi State.
He said: “The presence of WACOT and USAID in Kebbi has helped answer various questions and address certain challenges regarding agriculture, and today, we can see over 80 per cent success rate of the initiative.”
Chairman of WACOT Rice and Executive Vice Chairman (Africa) of TGI Group, Farouk Gumel, thanked all stakeholders for their support. He reaffirmed TGI’s commitment to promoting food security and economic growth in Nigeria through substantial investments across various sectors.
Mission Director for USAID Nigeria, Melissa Jones, underscored the significance of the partnership between WACOT Rice and the USAID-funded West Africa Trade and Investment Hub, emphasising the transformative potential of collaborative efforts in driving sustainable development and fostering economic growth in the region.
She said: “With $1.48 million from USAID West Africa Trade Hub, WACOT Rice successfully leveraged $8.6 million of their funds, demonstrating their commitment to address the challenges faced. As a direct result of this partnership, WACOT Rice engaged over 7,600 outgrower farmers – far above the original target of 5,000. It provided them with extension services and high-quality inputs to ensure improved rice yields and a quality product.