Johnvents launches empowerment scheme for farmers in Kano, Kastina, 4,000 to benefit

Agricultural company, Johnvents Trading, a subsidiary of Johnvents Group, as part of its efforts in the promotion of sustainable and traceable agriculture, has launched its Outgrower Scheme in Kano and Kastina states.

The scheme aims to empower thousands of farmers and foster long-term growth in the agricultural sector while prioritising environmental sustainability.

Johnvents Trading, in partnership with Alliance Agro, has begun the implementation of efficient input disbursement, trainings, monitoring and evaluation system to drive increased productivity and sustainable agriculture among smallholder farmers in the two northern states.

By providing farmers with the necessary resources, training and support, the initiative will empower 4,000 farmers in the first phase, thereby improving their livelihoods and quality of produce in the region.

Speaking at the launch, the Chief Business Manager, Johnvents Group, Dr Femi Sekoni, stated that the initiative represents the company’s firm commitment to agricultural excellence and the improvement of agricultural practices.

He said, “The Johnvents Tradings Outgrower Scheme, in partnership with Alliance Agro, will implement efficient input disbursement, monitoring and evaluation practices that aim to provide farmers with excellent output, sustainable resources and support to thrive.”

“We are delighted to launch the Johnvents Tradings Outgrower Scheme at this time as we are consolidating our business. The first phase of the programme will cover five clusters across Kano and Katsina States, benefiting a total of 4,000 farmers. Through our partnership with OCP, we have been able to extend our support to additional 2,000 farmers, surpassing our initial target.”

Dr Sekoni added, “With the help of Alliance Agro, we have procured 6,000 packages of inputs comprising NPK and urea fertilisers plus seeds and pesticides, ensuring that farmers have the resources needed for optimal crop production. These inputs have been strategically delivered to warehouses across the five cluster areas, with focus on maize and sorghum production in this phase.

“Beyond providing the inputs, training and evaluation, we are increasing our networks of farmers, building traceability and strengthening the value chain. Just last week, in furtherance of our 150,000 Cocoa Farmers Project in South-West Nigeria, 50,000 cocoa seedlings were distributed to over 10,000 cocoa farmers in Idanre for the continued rehabilitation, regeneration and replanting of cocoa trees.”

Speaking on the partnership, the Business and Gender Manager of Alliance Agro, Rafaatu Garba Salisu, said, “Today, we are partnering with Johnvents Trading to flag off the 2023 farming season. Farming starts with access to quality inputs and this partnership today is starting with disbursement of inputs to our farmers in Kano and Katsina States.

“We are proud of today’s event because this season, Johnvents, Alliance Agro and OCP Agribooster programme, as a supporter, are providing access to quality inputs to 4,000 smallholder farmers mainly in sorghum value chain who also grow maize. The programme will provide access to market at harvest to more than 20,000 farmers who wish to sell their grains to get fair and competitive prices.

“We believe that this is the start of a bigger intervention in the staple food sector as we plan to bring down and make more accessible and affordable, the prices of quality inputs to farmers, build their capacity, promote climate action and provide stable and transparent market.”