Thriveagric flags off inputs distribution for dry season farming
THRIVEAGRIC has flagged off the 2023/ 2024 dry season farming cycle with the distribution of agricultural inputs targeted at over 100,000 smallholder farmers in the northern part of the country to facilitate production of over 300,000 metric tonnes of grains.
With the flag off announced at an event in Jigawa State, the company would provide farmers with irrigation facilities, droughtresistant input, access to technology, storage, and premium markets to help optimise output in this farming cycle.
The event brought together various stakeholders, including financial institutions, government officials, farmers, and representatives of the farming communities from Jigawa, Bauchi, and Kano states.
Participants shared valuable insights on optimising crop yields, implementing effective water management and developing coping mechanisms for the drought conditions often associated with this period.
The Vice President, Operations at Thriveagric, Oshone Anavhe, who spoke on the significance of the dry season to Nigeria’s agriculture, said in Sub- Saharan Africa, approximately 95 per cent of food production rely on rainfed agriculture. “The dry season, however, remains mostly under- utilised for farming due to the absence of necessary infrastructure and widespread unavailability of drought- resistant inputs.
“For this 2023/ 2024 farming cycle, Thriveagric is leveraging partnerships to impart thousands of smallholder farmers, especially those in the wheat, rice and maize value chain, by providing them with access to technology, irrigation facilities, drought- resistant input and premium markets.”
Anavhe stressed that if the initiative is harnessed on a national scale, dry season farming has the potential to jumpstart food sufficiency in Nigeria, “therefore, we call on the government to invest in enabling infrastructure that would in turn attract investors and engage more farmers for dry season farming.”
The Regional Manager, Sterling Bank, Matthew Omega, said: “We believe in the transformative power of agriculture to drive economic growth and sustainability. Our collaboration with Thriveagric exemplifies our commitment to providing innovative and accessible financial solutions for farmers.
“By joining forces, we aim to empower smallholder farmers, and the agricultural communities, promote responsible financial practices, and cultivate a future where prosperity and sustainability coexist.”
In line with its mission to build the largest network of profitable farmers, over the years, Thriveagric has utilised strategic partnerships with both private and government institutions to implement initiatives that directly improve the social condition and economic prospects of hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers in Nigeria.
By providing farmers with access to irrigation facilities during the dry season, Thriveagric said farmers are able to increase their regular yields with about two to three time, thereby increasing their profitability, positively impacting their standard of living, while also boosting food security in the country.