In an effort to improve coffee production and exportation, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has trained about 200 coffee farmers in Plateau State. A one-day capacity-building event was held in Jos, on Tuesday 18th April 2023, with the aim of improving the skills of participants from the Riyom and Jos South Local Government Areas.
Mr Samson Idowu, the Regional Coordinator of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, said the workshops are needed to improve the production of the commodity in the state.
He pointed out the declining production of the commodity in Plateau State, despite the fertile land for its production.
Idowu said-
“The workshop was part of efforts at facilitating the government’s agenda on diversification of the non-oil sector and to boost export potentials of the country.
“This workshop is necessitated by the findings of a survey carried out by the council some months ago, where it was discovered that the production of coffee in Plateau was on the decline.”
He stressed that tackling some of the challenges confronting coffee production made the council bring together seasoned experts. The aim is to engage in strategic enlightenment programmes.
Furthermore, the event was organised to equip coffee farmers, processors, and other stakeholders in the coffee value chain. They will get the necessary skills and knowledge to increase productivity, improve quality, and reduce post-harvest losses.
According to him, the council has improved its dedication to promoting the growth and variety of the economy’s non-oil sector. This spurred it to organise the workshop to further advance the Federal Government’s “Export for survival” campaign.
Also speaking, the Deputy Chairman of Riyom Local Council Area, Mr Yakubu Elisha, expressed his appreciation to NEPC. He encouraged the farmers to take it seriously to benefit from the knowledge gained. Furthermore, they can improve the production of the commodity, thereby meeting the country’s export demands.
Some beneficiaries at the training appreciated NEPC for the opportunity and appealed to the government to assist them with seedlings and funding to help boost the production of the commodity.
cc: Punch Ng
