Veronica Bazim
Kaduna (Nigeria) – 2500 youths are to be sponsored by the Kaduna state Government in bee farming. The effort is aimed at reducing unemployment among the teeming youths of the state.
The Kaduna State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Manzo Daniel Maigari stated this while briefing journalists on its monthly media briefing in Kaduna, North West Nigeria.
Maigari explained that, contract has been signed with a private company to train the youths in bee farming (Apiculture), adding that the company would produce enough bees for the youth after the training.
The commissioner further pointed out that the project is to be financed from a zero interest rate of N2billion loan secured by the State from Central Bank of Nigeria.
He noted also that 250 forest guards and rangers have been employed by the state government to monitor its forest resources and control all sharp practices – they would also be provided with 20 Hilux vans to ease movement in and around the forestry.
Maigari further disclosed that the state government is committed towards introduction and establishment of schools farms in secondary schools across the state; adding that the pilot farming project will concentrate on 3 schools from the 3 Senatorial Zones of the state.
He emphasized that the project seeks to reawaken farming interest among the youths in order to encourage them take up farming as a business rather than waiting for white collar jobs.
