BATN- FOUNDATION ENHANCES FARMERS PRODUCTIVITY WITH SMOKING KILNS

The British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATN Foundation) in partnership with the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA) has donated fifty-kilogram smoking kilns to beneficiary farmers and agribusinesses across the State.

BATN- Foundation establishment of four demonstration sites for practical training for over 200 beneficiaries cutting across agricultural zones comprising Agege, Ojo, Ikorodu and Ibeju-Lekki areas of Lagos State after several weeks of training.

This initiative is programmed to enhance the productivity of the farmers and equip them to successfully overcome the challenges aquaculture industry.

While delivering her key note address, the Commissioner of Agriculture for Lagos State, Ms. Ruth Abisola Olusanya,, ably represented by Mrs. Aramide Gansallo, Director, Agribusiness, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, encouraged the fish farmers benefiting from the initiative to maximize this opportunity for successful fish processing in the State.

She reiterated that the project plays a pivotal role in supporting the effort of Lagos State Government.

Encouraged by the success recorded so far by the initiative, the Commissioner called upon other corporate organizations and Foundations to collaborate with the state in its pursuit of sustainable food security, mirroring the exemplary efforts of the BATN Foundation.

The partnership which commenced in 2018 aims at building the capacity of fish farmers under the Fingerlings to Fork Project and the donation of smoking kilns is part of the Foundation’s effort to prevent post-harvest loss and support the socio-economic development of smallholder farmers in the state.

Elizabeth Tagbenu a beneficiary of the initiative stated that participating in the training has provided her with her new knowledge and real-life scenarios to increase her output.

She also stated that the smoking kiln will help her business and boost her productivity.

Another beneficiary,

Mr. Abdullateef Adekunle, also expressed his heart-felt gratitude to the BATN Foundation for providing him with the smoking kiln saying this invaluable support would not only enhance his business but would also open new avenues for growth.

“With this equipment, I can now process and preserve my fish more efficiently, ensuring better market opportunities and increased income for my family”, he said.

The BATN Foundation since its inception in 2002 has supported the Federal and State Governments in agricultural development programmes and has invested over 2 billion Naira in supporting rural smallholder farmers.

The Foundation has reached over 1.3 million beneficiaries and it is projecting to double this figure in the next 10 years through increased support to smallholder farmers across 36 States

and the FCT, Abuja.