The Niger government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)—Value Chain Development Programme Additional Financing (VCDP + AF) have achieved significant milestones in the rice and cassava value chains in the state.

Hadizat Isah, coordinator of the Niger State Programme Management Unit (SPMU), disclosed this during a Steering Committee meeting in Minna on Saturday.

Ms Isah, while presenting the achievement report to the committee, said the programme had continued to meet its targets despite operational challenges.

She said the programme recorded significant milestones in rice and cassava value chains.

The coordinator noted that, despite operational challenges, VCDP+AF had continued to fulfil its mandate of supporting smallholder farmers, enhancing market access, and expanding agribusiness opportunities.

Ms Isah also outlined progress in farmer capacity-building, the provision of climate-smart inputs, the rehabilitation of rural infrastructure, and the facilitation of public-private partnerships.

She added that thousands of beneficiaries had been empowered through training, enterprise development, and the adoption of improved technologies, resulting in higher productivity and increased incomes.

Ms Isah reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to boosting agricultural productivity and improving rural livelihoods, commending the support of Governor Umaru Bago of Niger, as well as IFAD and the federal government.

She described their contributions as critical to the programme’s success and stressed the need for sustained collaboration among all stakeholders to consolidate the gains.

In his remarks, Matthew Ahmed, permanent secretary of the Niger Ministry of Agriculture and chairman of the steering committee, lauded the achievements recorded.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to strengthening policies and creating an enabling environment for agricultural development.

Mr Ahmed urged members of the committee to continue providing strategic direction to ensure the programme meets its targets.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders from relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to evaluate progress made under the programme and chart the way forward.

(NAN)