National Association of Mango Producers, processors and marketers has trained and empowered over 100 people from the Katsina zone of Katsina State on improved Mango planting, production, processing and marketing.
The training was conducted on Monday at Ajiwa ward in Batagarawa Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking at the training, the National President of the association, Alhaji Abdulkadir Mamman-Nasir said the beneficiaries would be provided with improved mango seeds.
Mamman-Nasir, was represented by Alhaji Abubakar Dabo, the Managing Director (MD), Katsina State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KTARDA).
According to him, the training was organised to encourage Mango production for the improvement of income sources of the beneficiaries.
He explained that the training will also greatly assist the participants to have a knowledge on modern ways of planting and nursing mango trees up to maturity.
The Special Adviser on Empowerment and Special Intervention to Gov. Aminu Masari said the gesture will go a long way in providing employment opportunities in the society.
The president of the association further urged the participants to make proper use of the acquired skills of planting and nursing Mango trees in their respective areas.
He noted that research has indicated that three Mango trees can sponsor at least two children to study from primary school to tertiary Institution.
Also, he described Mango production and processing as a lucrative business and enjoined people to venture into it for economic development.
Mamman-Nasir has also emphasized the relevance of tree planting towards socio-economic development of the society, and prevention of desertification and other environmental problems.
“Apart from providing a conducive atmosphere, tree planting is a source of gaining self-employment. Mango production, processing and marketing is providing a huge source of income to the farmers worldwide.” He said.
Some of the beneficiaries Commended the Special Adviser and Gov. Masari for improving their well-being.
The beneficiaries include; independent monitors of special intervention programmes, beneficiaries of conditional cash transfer programmes, N-Power, food vendors, grass root farmers association among others.