In the quiet farming community of Murya, Nasarawa State, Ambi Bitrus had always worked the land, growing maize, guinea corn, and rice. For years, his harvest was just enough to feed his family – there was never much left to sell, let alone expand his farm. Farming was labour-intensive, and without access to mechanisation, improved seeds, or modern techniques, he was limited in what he could produce.
That all changed when the Farmers’ Hub arrived in his community.
“The Farmers’ Hub has helped me and other farmers a lot to boost our crop yield and farming system in this town,” Ambi says, his voice filled with gratitude.
“Before, we could only produce small quantities, just enough for home consumption. But now, with the support we’ve received, we are harvesting more than ever. I now have enough food for my family and extra to sell.”
One of the biggest game changers for Ambi was access to mechanisation. In the past, ploughing and planting were backbreaking tasks done manually, limiting how much land he could cultivate. Through the Farmers’ Hub, he was able to use modern farming equipment, allowing him to work larger plots of land efficiently. This shift from small-scale to larger-scale farming significantly increased his production.
In addition to mechanisation, the availability of high-quality seeds and agrochemicals through the hub improved his yield. “Before, we struggled with low-quality seeds and poor harvests. Now, we get improved seeds that grow better and give us more produce,” he explains. The introduction of modern farming techniques, including better soil management and pest control strategies, further enhanced his farm’s output.
With more crops to sell, Ambi’s financial situation improved. He was no longer just farming to survive; he was farming to thrive. “Now, I can earn some income from my harvest,” he says proudly.
“This support has made a huge difference, but we still need more help to go even higher in the future.”
For Ambi and many farmers like him, the Farmers’ Hub is more than just a supplier of inputs – it is a gateway to a more prosperous future. With continued support, he believes they can scale up even further, ensuring food security for their families while contributing to both the local and national agricultural economy.
“I am very, very happy,” he says with a broad smile. “This investment in us is something that truly matters.”