A group of twenty Nigerian farmers hailing from different states of the country is currently participating in a comprehensive three-week training program at Thailand’s Maejo University.

The farmers, who arrived in Thailand last week to commence their training, will be awarded graduation certificates and transcripts upon completion.

The program, focusing on vegetable and fruit farming for local and export markets, aims to equip participants with knowledge in various aspects of agriculture.

One significant aspect of the program is teaching farmers how to convert agricultural waste into fertile soil for urban commercial farming.

Participants will also learn about soil preparation for potted flowers, commercial tomato and pepper cultivation, fruit farming techniques, and the creation of alternative soil for potted plants.

Additionally, the training program will cover land development, construction, and preparation for growing commercial tree crops and fruits like coconut, mango, orange, and guava.

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Emphasis will also be placed on irrigation methods for year-round production.

The initiative seeks to empower Nigerian farmers with the necessary skills to achieve self-sufficiency in producing essential food items that currently require significant foreign exchange, such as rice, chicken, vegetables, and animal feed.

The program aligns with the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) of the Nigerian government.

It has received moderate sponsorship from the NIDO Thailand Chapter in collaboration with Maejo University, renowned as Thailand’s oldest and most reputable agricultural institution.

The project aims to revitalize the declining agricultural sector and address the rising issue of youth unemployment in Nigeria.

By equipping young individuals with the required agricultural skills, the program strives to enhance their prospects upon graduation.

During the opening ceremony, speeches were delivered by Maejo University’s President, Associate Professor Dr. Weerapon Thongma, Nigerian Ambassador to Thailand, Djebah, President of NIDO Thailand Chapter, Dr. Lloyd Nwafor, and Mrs. Chinwe Ezirim, the Program Coordinator from Nigeria.

They commended the collaborative efforts of NIDO Thailand and Maejo University in supporting Nigerian farmers to excel in their agricultural endeavors.