Published: 21st October, 2024

By Bello Adamu Bida-Badeggi Zonal Communication Officer

On October 16, 2024, a momentous occasion unfolded in Minna as the Niger State Government bestowed a prestigious award upon the ATASP-1 Bida-Badeggi Zonal office, recognizing its unwavering commitment to enhancing irrigation infrastructure for smallholder farmers across the state.
The award was presented by the State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, who was represented by his Deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, during the celebrations marking the 2024 World Food Day. The honor was conferred upon Engr. Dr. Ibrahim Haruna Manta, the Zonal Program Coordinator (ZPC), in acknowledgment of the significant strides made in agricultural development.
In his address, Deputy Governor Garba highlighted the remarkable achievement of reconstructing over 1,500 hectares of the Edozhigi Irrigation scheme, a project spearheaded by ATASP-1. He emphasized that this initiative serves as a beacon of hope for farmers, affirming their deserving recognition through the award.
Garba further expressed optimism regarding the anticipated reconstruction of the Loguma Irrigation scheme, asserting that its successful completion could position Niger State as a leading hub for rice production in Nigeria. He articulated the state government’s ambitious vision to harness the potential of 3 million hectares of land, aiming to unlock the vast opportunities within the Green Economy and bolster productive agricultural practices.
The Deputy Governor underscored the strategic advantages of Niger State, citing its abundant water bodies, 23 grazing reserves, and 94 forest reserves as vital resources in the fight against hunger and the pursuit of food security. He called upon stakeholders and donor agencies to collaborate closely in refining policies and strategies that promote sustainable food systems for all.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Musa Bawa Bosso, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Mathew Ahmed, acknowledged the state’s robust agricultural development agenda. He noted that Niger State is setting a benchmark in implementing the Federal Government’s Sustainable Food Security initiative.
Upon receiving the award, Engr. Dr. Ibrahim Haruna Manta expressed his gratitude, stating that this recognition reflects the collective efforts of the entire team at the Bida-Badeggi zone. He pledged to continue striving for the enhancement of social and economic infrastructure that benefits the community.
In a heartfelt gesture, the ZPC dedicated the award to the dedicated staff of the Zone as well as present the award to the the National Program Coorinator, Ibrahim Muhammad Arabi at the ATASP-1 National Office on the 17th of October, 2024, acknowledging their unwavering support and encouragement throughout their journey. This accolade not only celebrates past achievements but also ignites a renewed commitment to fostering agricultural innovation and sustainability in Niger State.

Published: 15th October, 2024

By Freda Ikpe David National Communications Officer - TA

On October 14, 2024, the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase-One (ATASP-1) held a significant bid opening exercise for the supply of heat-tolerant wheat seeds aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity in Nigeria’s North-West, North-East, and North-Central geopolitical zones.
The event commenced with the arrival and registration of bidders’ representatives, who gathered at the ATASP-1 National Office at No. 15, Lord Lugard Street, Asokoro. Abuja.
Following the registration, Officials from the Program introduced themselves, along with the representatives from the bidding companies, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.
Ibrahim Muhammed Arabi, the National Program Coordinator (NPC) delivered opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of the initiative in addressing food security challenges in the country.
The bid submission period was officially declared closed, allowing the opening of bids to commence.
As the bids were opened by the National Procurement Officer (NPO) - Mahmud Abubakar, representatives from various bidding companies were invited to provide comments and insights regarding their proposals. This interactive segment of the event encouraged transparency and engagement among all parties involved.
The NPC concluded the event with closing remarks, reiterating the Program’s commitment to improving agricultural practices and ensuring the successful implementation of the program. A vote of thanks was delivered, expressing gratitude to all participants for their contributions and efforts.

Published: 14th October, 2024

By Olisemeka Obeche Adani-Omor Zonal Communication Officer

Farmers under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase one, ATASP-1 in Adani-Omor Staple Crops Processing Zone, have hailed the federal government and the African Development Bank, AfDB for recent approval of a 75 percent subsidy on agro-inputs under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme Agropocket, NAGS-AP.
Under the new 75 percent subsidy package, profiled farmers under ATASP-1 who received SMs Codes or e-token pay 25% of the market value to collect 50KG of NPK, 50KG of Urea and 50KG of Organic Fertilizers, 4 Liters of Agro-chemicals and Maize or Rice Seeds.
Most of the distribution centers visited by newsmen witnessed large turnout of profiled farmers paying the subsidy rate and taking home their inputs.
At the Lower Anambra Irrigation Project, LAIP Office, Omor, Ayamelum LGA, Anambra State, Mr. Emeka Mmadubuko, a lead farmer from Ifite-Ogwari, who travelled from far distance with some farmers in his area for the redemption exercise, could not hide his joy after collecting his inputs.
“I’m very much happy. Infact, ATASP-1 have done well and God will continue to bless them. Atleast with these inputs, I’m certain that I will apply fertilizer very well on my rice farm and the yields will be greater and I will make greater profits. I sincerely thank the federal government for this subsidy program. It will go a long way to ease the pains of average farmers who could not have afforded these inputs.
Another farmer who also redeemed his inputs at Joe Rich Rice Mill, Omor, Mr Cletus Obiora described the NAGS-AP Inputs distribution exercise as a confirmation of federal government's determination to support farmers to increase productivity.
According to him, farmers in Ayamelum are not just happy over the inputs subsidy package but also the massive investments made by the federal government under ATASP-1 for resuscitation of the Lower Anambra Irrigation Project for dry season farming in the area.
Mrs. Nkemdilim Ugbaji, a rice farmer at Adani who also paid and collected her inputs, expressed gratitude to federal government for making her dream of dry season farming a reality.
"The truth is we have been dreaming of a time like this when it will be possible for rice farmers in Adani to cultivate dry season but with this input and the irrigation system that ATASP-1 has rehabilitated, our farming has moved from seasonal to all year round. We are grateful to ATASP-1 and federal government for this" she said.
The chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Hon. (Sir) Ifeanyi Chinweze also expressed joy over the inputs distribution exercise and thanked the federal government for coming to the rescue of the suffering masses at the grassroots.
The Zonal Program Coordinator, ATASP-1 Adani-Omor Zone, Dr. Romanus Egba, who also toured various redemption centers in Enugu and Anambra alongside some key state and local government officials, expressed satisfaction with the turnout of farmers and their orderly conducts so far. Speaking to newsmen after inspection of redemption activities at the Amankanu Development center, Amechi-Idodo in Nkanu East Local Government area of Enugu State, Egba declared:
"We are happy that our farmers responded to this exercise with massive turnouts at various centers. Though the number of redemptions varies across centers, what we are seeing is impressive so far judging from the general apatthy that greeted the exercise initially when the subsidy package was 50 percent.”
In his welcome remarks, the traditional ruler of Amankanu, HRM Igwe Bennett Ikenna, thanked the management of ATASP-1, federal government and African Development Bank, AfDB for coming to the aid of farmers.

Published: 7th October, 2024

By Olisemeka Obeche, TA Communication, Adani-Omor Zone

The National Program Coordinating Team (NPCT) of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase One, ATASP-1 on Friday, October 4, 2024 wrapped up its pre-misison inspection tour of ongoing Economic Infrastructure Projects in Adani-Omor Zone.
The team was made up of Emgr. Usman Abdullahi, National Civil Engineer, Engr. Egwa Adah Egwa, National Irrigation Engineer, Mr. Michael Balasom, National Environment and Safeguard Officer and Mr. Tijjani, National TA Infrastructure. The Adani-Omor Zonal team led by the Zonal Program Coordinator, Dr. Romanus Egba, were composed of the Zonal Irrigation and Rural Engineer, Ndubuisi Fidelis, Zonal Environment Officer, Jane Nwabachili and Olisemeka Obeche, Zonal Communion Officer. The team of Diyokes Project Consulants led by Engr. C.S. Okonkwo were equally on the team.
Project sites visited included the recently completed Canal Lining and farm roads at Ada Rice Irrigation Project, and the Obinna Bridge at Adani, Uzo Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The team also visited the Lower Anambra Irrigation Project, LAIP's pumping station at Ifite-Ogwari and nearby water dump as well as Headrace, East and West Main Canal Lining project sites.
During the sites visits, the team assessed the work progress and quality of delivery, interacted with the project managers on the ways to ensure timely completion of the projects according to specifications.
Leader of the NPC Team, Engr. Usman also explained that part of their mandate was to ascertain the quality and quantity of completed works before approval of payment certificates raised for the contractors.
The team also discussed modalities for ensuring completion of the Obinna Bridge and the 63km Gravel Surface roads inside Ada Rice Irrigation farms command areas in Enugu.
The ZPC, Dr. Romanus Egba, in his remarks during the wrap-up meeting held at the zonal headquarters, Awka, thanked the team for their thorough and professional approach to the exercise as well as working as a team during the exercise.
He expressed confidence that the new measures discussed and adopted during the field visits would help deliver the projects.

Published: 24th September, 2024

By Olisemeka Obeche, Zonal Communion Officer, Adani-Omor
Leaders of ATASP-1 Assisted Innovation Platform (IPs) drawn from participating communities in Adani-Omor Staple Crops Processing Zone rose from a meeting on Friday, September 20, with a resolution to commence the process of formation of Local Government Level Agricultural Value Chain Stakeholders Forum.
The meeting which had in attendance, Head of Departments, HODs of Agriculture from the seven participating local governments and other key officers was organized by ATASP-1 as part of its project exit and sustainability programme.
In his welcome remarks, the Zonal Program Coordinator, Dr. Romanus Egba explained that formation of IPs at the local government level had become expedient as ATASP-1 was already winding down and that there was need for the groups to continue to grow and expand beyond the program’s lifespan.
Egba, represented by the Zonal Agribusiness Specialist, Chinelo Obiefuna, said that part of the exit plan was to link the groups up with the local government authorities and other stakeholders like the Bank of Agriculture and Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) among others for necessary assistance that would enable them to continue to thrive as agribusiness enterprises.
The Zonal Outreach Specialist, Emmanuel Emeka Ude, thereafter in his presentation, provided some insights on the formation, management and sustainability of ATASP-1 IPs. Some of the criteria listed by Ude for the sustainability of IPs include development of efficient means of funding and support, commitment of members to the success of the enterprise, leadership credibility and sincerity.
“Equality of members in terms of contribution of ideas must be maintained. There should not be any discrimination on the basis of gender, profession etc. The Platform must be focused on diversification of business enterprises through constant investment in innovative ideas”, he adds.
The high point of the meeting was the reaching of a consensus for the formation of the Local Government Level Agricultural Value Chain Stakeholders Forum (LGAVCSF).
HODs of the Agricultural departments of the participating local government areas and other stakeholders present at the meeting also made a formal commitment to collaborate and support the IPs to ensure their sustainability beyond the ATASP-1 lifespan.

Published: 13th September 2024

In a significant initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural practices and disaster management, trainers gathered for a workshop on Smart Agriculture, Watershed, and Disaster Management for ATASP-1.
The event took place at the Sa’abhi International Hotel and Resort in Mararaba, Karu LGA, Nasarawa State.
The workshop which happened from 19th to 23rd August, 2024 commenced with opening remarks from Ibrahim Muhammad Arabi, the National Program Coordinator (NPC), setting the tone for the event. Participants engaged in discussions led by Prof. J. Dukwa, who introduced concepts of disaster and risk management in agriculture.
This interaction emphasized the importance of understanding these critical concepts in the context of modern agricultural practices. Following the introduction, attendees participated in group work, further exploring the themes of disaster and risk management. The collaborative effort allowed participants to share insights and strategies relevant to their experiences in the field.
Participants also focused on Climate Smart Agriculture, with Prof. Ajayi leading discussions on the impact of climate change on agriculture. Attendees learned about the principles of climate smart agriculture, including its benefits and challenges, equipping them with knowledge to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
The workshop included a recap of previous discussions, reinforcing key takeaways. Prof. Ajayi continued to guide participants through the intricacies of climate smart agriculture, delving deeper into practical applications and strategies for implementation.
This workshop also represented a crucial step in empowering trainers with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote sustainable agricultural practices and effective disaster management in their communities. Participants remained engaged and enthusiastic, eager to apply the knowledge gained during the workshop to their respective regions.
Other notable Resource Personalities in persons of Dr. Fabian Dama, who trained the participants on Introduction to Waste Management, Domestic Waste Management, Agricultural Waste Management, Constructional Waste Management, Industrial Waste Management, and Converting Waste Management to Wealth and then lastly, Mrs. Bello Sekinat Atoyebi alongside Mr. Donatus Shailong gave both theoretical and Practical training on Converting Agriculture Waste to Briquettes.
The event concluded with a closing session where participants reflected on the insights shared and the collaborative spirit fostered throughout the workshop. Many expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to learn from experts and peers, emphasizing the importance of such gatherings in addressing the challenges faced by the agricultural sector.
As the participants departed, they carried with them not only new knowledge but also a renewed commitment to implementing smart agricultural practices and effective disaster management strategies. The workshop underscored the critical need for ongoing education and collaboration in the face of climate change and other challenges impacting agriculture.
Overall, the workshop marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and enhance disaster preparedness, paving the way for a more resilient agricultural sector in the region.