OCP Trains Agro Entrepreneurs On Access To Local Food, Jobs
T Oensure that farmers in underserved markets have seamless access to fertilisers and other quality inputs, OCP Africa Fertilisers Nigeria Limited ( OCP Africa), is establishing 55 one- stop- shop Farm & Fortune Hubs across the country.
The gesture is part of efforts to empower agro entrepreneurs on how to use its hubs to boost farmers’ productivity, improve food security and nutrition.
Speaking during the training of agro promoters on the operations of its Farm & Fortune hub model, the Country Manager, OCP Africa Fertilisers Nigeria, Mr Caleb Usoh, said it was a milestone in the company’s effort to contribute to productivity and food security across the country.
Usoh said the Farm & Fortune hubs were set up to cater for the needs by providing effective servicedelivery, in accordance with its policy of proximity.
He explained that they were designed to offer knowledge to increase in crop yield and productivity that would lead to improved food security and increased income for smallholder farmers.
In a bid to improve farmers’ timely access to quality agro inputs and information, Executive Director, Africa Franchise Institute, Chiagozie Nwizu said OCP established Farm & Fortune, as a sustainable franchise model business.
Nwizu described OCP’S Farm & Fortune as an appropriate system that was going to have a positive impact on the agricultural sector.
Accredited agents, according to him, will provide smallholder farmers with timely and relevant quality farm inputs at affordable prices.
He added that farmers benefit from regular access to high- quality services and goods, which are specifically marketed for smallholders, while the agro entrepreneurs will be exposed to business training to grow customers base.
The model, he emphasised, is sustainable and scalable, and, in the long- term, would help the promoters achieve financial independence.
He urged operators in agriculture to avail themselves of the hub, including technical and financial assistance, to undertake more agricultural activities, while encouraging them to consider new farming techniques and new varieties of crops.