By Dipo Olowookere
Federal Government has commenced training programmes for 200 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Damaturu, Yobe State.
This scheme is being handled by the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension (FDAE) under its 2017 approved appropriation.
The training programme, already completed, focuses on home gardening for the production of some selected vegetable crops like tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, water lemon, carrot, okro and green vegetables.
Objectives of the training include generally developing the knowledge and skills of the IDPs on sustainable production of some selected vegetable crops at their backyards to help reduce idleness, earn income; eradicate poverty and improve their nutritional value and general livelihood.
The FDAE also trained some youths in Oyo state on “Spraying and Good Agricultural Practices – GAP” empowerment programme, which commenced last year nationwide.
The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, since its inception in 2015, has given agriculture more priority.
More people are now embracing agriculture, which used to be the nation’s main source of foreign exchange earnings.
Aduragbemi Omiyale 
Adedapo Adesanya