Zulaihatu Urges Massive Investment in Youth Farming

By Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe

An agribusiness advocate, Mrs. Zulaihatu Labilwa Madugu, has called on governments at all levels to step up investment in youth participation in agriculture, saying the sector remains one of the strongest pathways to economic recovery, job creation and food security in Nigeria.

Speaking with our correspondent in Gombe, Zulaihatu described agriculture as a demanding but highly rewarding venture capable of reducing unemployment, poverty and other socio-economic challenges facing the country.

She observed that although many Nigerian youths are interested in farming, a lack of adequate support continues to limit their participation in the sector.

According to her, challenges such as poor access to farmland, high cost of fertilizers, improved seeds and other essential inputs have discouraged young people from embracing agriculture despite its vast potential.

“Farming may be stressful, but it is a dignified and honest means of livelihood. If governments provide youths with land, affordable inputs and necessary support, many of them will willingly go into agriculture,” she said.

Zulaihatu noted that engaging more youths in farming would significantly boost food production and also help address rising unemployment and related social issues across the country.

She, however, stressed that support for farmers should go beyond production, explaining that many young farmers suffer losses due to lack of knowledge in processing, packaging and marketing of agricultural produce.

According to her, proper value addition, branding and packaging would increase the market value of farm produce and enable local farmers to compete effectively in both domestic and international markets.

The agribusiness advocate also called for the establishment of agricultural training centres where youths can acquire practical skills in modern farming techniques, agribusiness management, storage and food processing.

She further appealed to financial institutions and government intervention agencies to provide soft loans and grants to young farmers to enable them expand their businesses and achieve financial independence.

Zulaihatu urged Nigerian youths to change their perception of agriculture, describing it as a profitable and sustainable enterprise rather than a last resort for those without white-collar jobs.

She expressed optimism that with the right policies, adequate funding and consistent training, agriculture could become a major driver of Nigeria’s economic growth and long-term development.