The Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Kwara State, has organised a comprehensive agripreneurship training series aimed at empowering selected 90 women, young farmers, and youths in agribusiness in 2024.

The comprehensive training programmes, held on the ARMTI campus located along Ilorin-Ajase Ipo Road, are in three categories, comprising Agripreneurship Development for Women in Agriculture: Fish Processing, Agricultural Produce Value Chain Skill Enhancement for Management of Input/Production, as well as Marketing and Agripreneurship Training and Development for New Generation Farmers: Branding and Digital Marketing.

Speaking during the training, the executive director of the institute, Dr. Olufemi Oladunni, said that the training workshop involved class training and practical field exposure.

He also said that each training programme had 30 participants, adding that they were targeted at youth drawn from all six geopolitical zones of the country.

“As 2024 unfolds, the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI) has initiated a groundbreaking series of training sessions aimed at bolstering agripreneurship across Nigeria.

“With a focus on skill enhancement and market access, these workshops promise to revolutionise the agricultural landscape and empower farmers with the tools they need to thrive in the modern era.

The first installment, titled “Agripreneurship Development for Women in Agriculture: Fish Processing,” kicked off on January 22 and ran through January 25, 2024, at the ARMTI Campus”.

The executive director, who said that participants were taken through comprehensive training on fish processing techniques, added that they were equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to add value to their produce and tap into lucrative markets.

“Following the success of the inaugural workshop, ARMTI continued its momentum with a second training session on “Agricultural Produce Value Chain Skill Enhancement for Management of Input/Production and Marketing.”.

“Held from January 29 to February 2, 2024, at the ARMTI Campus, this workshop delved into the intricacies of the agricultural value chain, providing participants with invaluable insights into efficient input management, production optimisation, and strategic marketing techniques.

As the series progressed, Dr. Oladunni said that the ARMTI remained committed to addressing the evolving needs of the agricultural sector.

“The third session focused on “Agripreneurship Training and Development for New Generation Farmers: Branding and Digital Marketing.”.

The training workshop, which took place on the ARMTI Campus, empowered young farmers with the knowledge and skills required to leverage branding and digital marketing strategies for enhanced visibility and profitability in the agricultural marketplace.

“With these innovative training initiatives, ARMTI is paving the way for a new era of agripreneurship in Nigeria, where farmers are equipped not only with agricultural expertise but also with the business acumen needed to thrive in today's competitive landscape.

“As participants eagerly embrace these opportunities for growth and development, the future of Nigerian agriculture shines brighter than ever before,” he said.