By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
In his efforts at repositioning Taraba State as a major player in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the State Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas has approved the sponsorship of 30 youths to Hyderabad, India, to aquire intensive training in advanced seed production and processing technologies.
He said that the initiative forms part of the state government’s broader agricultural transformation agenda designed to establish Taraba as the country’s leading hub for quality seed production and agro-industrial development.
“The 20-day programme is being executed through a strategic collaboration involving the Taraba State Government, Prasad Seeds of India, and AgTech Innovation of the United States under the platform of Taraba Seeds Limited – he said.
According to him, the company currently investing over $20 million in the construction of a state-of-the-art seed processing facility in Lau Local Government Area.
During the training, participants will undergo rigorous classroom sessions, practical field exposure, and industrial factory training focused on seed science, field seed production, quality control, processing, packaging, storage, and emerging agricultural technologies. The programme will be facilitated by top Indian agricultural institutions and leading global seed companies based in Hyderabad, widely regarded as one of Asia’s foremost centres for agricultural innovation.
The training is expected to equip the participants with the technical expertise and hands on experience required to drive the development of a modern seed industry in Taraba State.
Upon completion of the programme, the trainees are expected to return to the state to support the establishment and operations of the seed processing industry and contribute meaningfully to the long-term growth and sustainability of Taraba’s agricultural sector.
In his remarks, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Taraba Seeds Limited, Dr. Dileepkumar Guntuku, described the programme as a strategic investment in human capital and agricultural modernization capable of transforming the state’s agricultural economy.
He pointed out that the Taraba Seeds Limited, recently unveiled by Governor Agbu Kefas, is expected to focus on the multiplication, processing, and distribution of improved seed varieties, including rice, maize, sorghum, and cowpea tailored to Nigeria’s agro-ecological conditions.
Upon completion of the programme, the trainees are expected to return to the state to support the establishment and operations of the seed processing industry and contribute meaningfully to the long-term growth and sustainability of Taraba’s agricultural sector.
The beneficiaries of this initiative are: Amina Zaku, Danbaki Joshua, Tukur Abdulsalam, Yavala Ndonima Jonah, Bala Amayindi Maikarfi, Wabuji Ishaku Adda Ali, Polycarp Julius Tsokwa, Patience Denis, Olivia David, Gana Isaac Shintima, Machemndi Manasseh Zechariah, Abubakar Hamman Bawa, Abubakar Mohammed Zurungwa, Bakari Augustina Hussaini, Agbu Wayivyon Olivia, Lazarus Amakai Ibrahim, Yahuza Aji, Nujore Kwasi Adamu, Joseph Meshack Kpachi, Simi Manti Dauda, Thomas Lucy Ebense, Soshie Charity Moses, Yusuf Mark, Jonah Vyama Tsonatu, Yaks Babaji Obedient, Grace Manasseh Waziri, Mamman Pembi Tanko, Japhet Sunday Gambo, Etu Richard Tubasen, and Saleh-Bibinu Enny Jr.
“Sponsoring thirty Taraba youths to India for advanced agricultural training is another clear example of leadership with vision, investing not only in today’s development but also in the future of the state, while positioning the state as a major agricultural and seed production destination not only in Nigeria but across the West African sub-region.
“The state government has consistently shown commitment in moving the State forward across different sectors. From infrastructural development, education ecotourism, digital economy to youth empowerment and agriculture, the Governor has continued to take bold steps aimed at creating opportunities and improving the lives of the people – he added.
The delegation is lead by Mrs. Sarah Ali the Permanent Secretary of the Taraba State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.