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NWDC Eyes Partnership to Boost Farm Productivity, Cut Post-Harvest Losses in North-West
The North-West Development Commission (NWDC) has opened talks for a strategic partnership aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and safeguarding farm incomes through safe agro-chemical use and farmer training.
The Managing Director/CEO of the Commission, Prof. Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji, disclosed this when he received the management team of Global Chemical Security and Safety Consultancy, led by its Founder/CEO, Dr. Mustapha Tijani Usman, in Kano.
The team presented a proposal for a Practical Farmer Training Project on Safe Use of Farm Chemicals for Optimal Production across the seven states of the North-West.
Speaking, Dr. Usman said indiscriminate use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers is eroding yields, raising production costs, and causing huge economic losses for farmers, despite increased spending on inputs. He said the proposed training will help farmers optimize input use, reduce waste, and increase returns on investment.
Making the technical presentation, Director of Chemical Security and Safety, Mr. Buba Shanu, said the region, which remains Nigeria’s food basket, is facing declining soil productivity due to continuous cultivation and population pressure.
He noted that improper application of agro-chemicals has led to low yields, health risks, and environmental degradation, all of which directly affect food prices, market supply, and rural livelihoods.
“Our farmlands have been cultivated for so long that production is running low. Farmers now rely heavily on herbicides, pesticides and special fertilizers to boost production, but without proper knowledge on dosage, handling and storage, the economic benefit is lost,” he said.
He added that the field-based training would target grassroots farming communities, helping to increase yield per hectare, reduce input losses, protect soil health, and improve the quality of produce for local and export markets.
Responding, Prof. Ma’aji said the proposal aligns with the Commission’s economic mandate in agriculture, food security, and job creation.
He said improving agricultural efficiency in the North-West is critical to stabilizing food prices, strengthening the agricultural value chain, and tackling poverty and youth unemployment, which are linked to low farm productivity.
He assured that the Commission will review the proposal to develop a workable framework that delivers measurable economic impact, particularly for smallholder farmers, women and youths.
