Hassan a Karofi
31 October 2008
Kano — As part of its corporate social responsibility drives, an agricultural firm, OLAM Nigeria limited has distributed 1,500 bags of fertilizers to over 500 farmers in Katsina state.
Disclosing this to newsmen in Kano, the System Extension Coordinator of the company, Mr Iornenge Imah Basil said the fertilizer and 500 liters of pesticides and insecticides were distributed in order to assist in controlling pests in the state.
Basil said that the beneficiaries cut across local governments such as Batsari, Batagarawa, Dutsinma, Safana and Kankia, adding that the distribution were carried out based on the standard recommendations by the federal department of agriculture.
He said the company is determined to enhance capacity building and value addition to the Nigerian farmers through necessary supports.
Basil who was speaking on behalf of Olam's extension manager in Nigeria , Mr Yogbal added that under the fertiliser and pesticides support scheme, Olam intends to expand the out grower programme to about 2000 farmers next year.
He also disclosed that Olam has already embarked on free sesame seeds distribution in Katsina state adding that under the initiatives, seeds of 4 kg bags per head have been distributed to 2000 farmers across the state.
He further disclosed that Olam, in collaboration with katsina state government through the state agricultural and rural development authority has offered technical support by training trainers on farm extension services to farmers in the state.
"We have already through collaboration with KTARDA organised and trained the farmers on various improved technology of sesame production such as site and varietal selection, land preparation, planting operation, pest (weed, insects and diseases) control and safe use of pesticides, harvest and post-harvest crop handling.
"The result of which have reflected in the increase in the average output per hectare of crops to over 50 percent significant differences when compared with available records of some previous agronomic years", he said.
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