AGRA, in collaboration with Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company Limited, has successfully hosted a strategic capacity-building workshop for rice farmers and agricultural stakeholders in Niger State. The initiative focused on strengthening financial linkages, promoting robust agricultural risk management strategies, and improving paddy rice marketing and tracking across the state’s agricultural value chain.

The workshops brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from the Agricultural Association of Nigeria (AGAN), Ruga Ruga, persons living with disabilities (PLWDs), and Nigerian Women in Agriculture.

To address the historical challenges of agricultural financing, leading financial institutions—including Zenith Bank, Alternative Bank, and the Bank of Agriculture (BOA)—alongside the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, delivered targeted presentations. Experts guided farmers through navigating available government credit schemes, step-by-step application procedures, proper business plan preparation, and the criteria required to secure affordable financial support. Access to these credit facilities is designed to empower farmers to scale production, purchase vital inputs, acquire modern machinery, and adopt improved farming technologies.

In addition to financial inclusion, the workshop heavily prioritized food safety and post-harvest loss reduction. Representing the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Auta Stella Ladidi and Mr. Adamu Mohammed Aminu in different sessions emphasized the vital importance of adhering to national standards during rice production and handling.

Niger Foods’ commitment to implementing international benchmarks is clearly demonstrated by their recent achievements toward attaining the ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System standard and ISO 9000 Quality Management System. By adopting these rigorous frameworks and integrating Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles into our local rice supply chain, we are not only eliminating risks like pest infestation and moisture contamination, but we are also elevating the commercial value of Nigerian rice to confidently compete in both domestic and international markets.

Equipping smallholder and marginalized farmers with corporate financial access and regulatory best practices, AGRA and Niger Foods aim to boost agricultural productivity, increase rural incomes, create employment opportunities, and ultimately safeguard food security across Niger State and the wider Federation.

Rashidat AbdulRahman

Information Officer

Niger Foods