From Kayoude Abdulazeez, Ilorin
In support of government efforts in diversification and job creation , a Kwara-based agriculture academy , Basanyin Integrated Farm Estate ( BIFE ), says it will train and empower youths in farming, agric tourism, aquatic farming, poultry farming, crop farming and animal husbandry .
The academy , which was established in 2013, was in response to the need to reverse the neglect in the agricultural sector and the unemployment crises in the country.
According to the proprietor of the academy, Mr David Kayode , ” Agric academy aims to partner with the current administration in its target to create five million jobs yearly through agricultural diversification,.’’
He added that the academy is expected to form a network of farmers across the nation to meet the food needs of the nation and produce financially independent and self sustaining farmers
Kayode said that BIFE has great potentials to grow , manage , process and provide markets for various crops and live stocks products to meet the food needs of Nigeria and create hundreds of job opportunities for the populace.
Time Nigeria reports that the project is sited on about 300 hectares of land endowed with a massive water body that can facilitate irrigation farming throughout the year when excavated and de-silted.
Kayode said major high yielding crops such as cassava , maize, soya beans and vegetables are to be extensively cultivated and integrated with fisheries and other live stock towards meeting the increased demand for for domestic consumption and export and to ensure end to end support for agro processors. The project is expected to open new opportunities for exporting organic farm produce and create 1,000 direct jobs.