180 IMO YOUTHS BENEFIT FROM RABBIT WASTE ORGANIC FERTILIZER PROGRAMME

Reporter : CHINAZO ILECHUKWU

Youths in the country have been urged to take advantage of the numerous agricultural value chain programmes of the Federal Government to improve their living conditions.

The Executive Secretary, National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Prince Paul Ikonne gave the advice in Owerri during the unveiling of Rabbit Waste Organic Fertilizer harvested from rabbits in four pilot states in the country.

The Federal Government in its efforts to engage more youths in the agricultural value chain launched rabbit farming in November 2020 with Imo, Abia, Cross River and Oyo as pilot states for the programme.

Rabbits were subsequently distributed to those who indicated interest in the project to, among other things, harvest urine from the animal, which had been found to be a rich source of organic fertilizer to rice and maize farming.

At the event in Owerri, NALDA Executive Secretary, Prince Ikonne described agro-business as a lucrative venture that required patience.

He noted that the organic fertilizer would be distributed to farmers alongside spraying machines to increase their yield.

The Imo State Executive Coordinator NALDA, Mr. Amanze Ofor, said about one hundred and eighty youths were participating in the programme in the state.

He pointed out that the beneficiaries get paid immediately they turned in urine harvested from the rabbits.

Some of the beneficiaries expressed joy for earning their first income in the business through what would have been described as waste.

They however mentioned difficulty in accessing food and drugs for the rabbits as part of their major challenges.