Empowering Farmers in Mba Agi: How the Farmers’ Hub is Boosting Yields with Improved Seeds

Mba Agi is a vibrant farming community in Makurdi Local Government Area, home to around 4,000 farmers, most of whom depend on smallholder farming for their livelihoods. However, smallholders in this community have long faced challenges, including limited access to improved seedlings as well as limited access to quality farm inputs, lack of proper storage facilities, and difficulties in finding markets for their produce.

One of the most crucial elements for improving farm productivity is the use of improved seeds. Unlike traditional varieties, improved seeds offer higher yields, better resistance to pests and diseases, and shorter maturation periods. For smallholder farmers, this means increased income, better food security, and a chance to break the cycle of poverty.

The Role of the Farmers’ Hub

The Farmers’ Hub, operated under the AVISA programme, has become a game-changer for local farmers in Mba Agi. By providing easy access to high-quality seeds, fertilisers, and agrochemicals, the hub saves farmers the cost and inconvenience of travelling to Makurdi, the state capital to source essential farm inputs.

“For farmers in this community, getting good quality seeds used to be a struggle,” says Aorga Kator Jeremiah, the hub manager. “Before, they had to travel to Makurdi, which was costly due to high fuel prices. But now, they can get everything they need right here at the hub at affordable prices.”

Farmers can now purchase improved maize, rice, cowpea, and soybean seeds from trusted companies like Seedco, Premier, and Value Seed. These seeds have been proven to yield significantly more than local varieties.

“I have testimonies from farmers who tried improved maize varieties like SC719,” Aorga explains. “One farmer told me, ‘This seed is a miracle. The difference in yield compared to the local variety is huge!’ Farmers who were once sceptical are now returning to buy more.”

Beyond selling improved seeds and inputs, the hub plays a crucial role in educating farmers. Through training sessions, farmers learn best agricultural practices, the correct use of agrochemicals, and how to maximise the potential of improved seeds. Initially, many farmers were reluctant to switch from local seed varieties, but after seeing the results first-hand, they are now embracing improved seeds.

How the Hub Has Impacted the Hub Manager

Aorga Kator Jeremiah’s journey is a testament to how the Farmers’ Hub is not just changing the lives of farmers but also empowering young agripreneurs. A graduate who initially struggled to find employment, Aorga ventured into watermelon farming, where he first encountered the Foundation’s work.

“I met one of the Foundation’s staff while I was buying watermelon seeds. At the time, I didn’t even know I was dealing with an NGO,” Aorga recalls. “Later, when the opportunity to manage this hub came up, I got support from the Foundation’s team. It’s a life-changing opportunity.”

Through this support, he transitioned from being a small-scale farmer to managing a fully equipped agro-input hub, providing critical services to thousands of farmers. The hub has not only improved his financial stability but has also given him the opportunity to create a meaningful impact in his community.

“You see the things behind me now, the structure and everything – this is something I wouldn’t have achieved on my own,” he says. “With the support of the Foundation and AVISA, I was able to set this up. It has helped my life, my finances, and my future.”

Supporting Farmers Beyond Inputs

The hub is more than just a sales point – it serves as a centre for aggregation and market access. Farmers can store their harvested grains safely at the hub instead of selling them immediately at low prices. With proper storage, they can sell later when market prices improve.

“One female farmer told me that when she stored her harvest at home, her son or husband would sell it without her consent,” Aorga shares. “Now, she brings her grains to the hub, where we store them safely. After three or four months, when prices go up, she can sell and make better profits.”

The hub also helps reduce exploitation by middlemen. “Now, farmers have a place to store and find direct buyers,” Aorga says. “We also contact large off-takers when we have enough stock, ensuring farmers get fair market prices.”

However, challenges remain, particularly in mechanisation. Many farmers lack access to essential tools like power tillers and threshers, making land preparation and post-harvest processing difficult and expensive.

“There are so many rice farmers here, but they don’t have access to power tillers. Threshing is another big challenge,” Aorga explains. “If we can expand, I’d love to bring in more farming tools to help them.”

Expanding access to farm machinery and post-harvest processing facilities – particularly for rice farmers – will further strengthen the hub’s impact.

“This area produces a lot of rice, but farmers struggle with processing,” Aorga notes. “If we could get small processing machines, it would make a huge difference.”

Looking Ahead

The success of the Farmers’ Hub in Mba Agi highlights the power of agricultural innovation and community-driven solutions. As more farmers embrace improved seeds and modern farming techniques, agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods in the region will continue to improve.

With continued support, initiatives like this can serve as models for empowering smallholder farmers across Nigeria.

“This hub has been a blessing to me and to the farmers,” Aorga concludes. “I appreciate the foundation for this opportunity. It’s truly life-changing.”

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