WACOT Limited, a member of the Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group, has said it will support a three-year project designed to help 3,500 sesame farmers in Jigawa and Kebbi States to adopt organic farming practices and improve climate resilience.
Accordingly, WACOT noted that it will match €1.26 million (N2.25 billion) in funding secured from DEG Impulse, provided through the develoPPP programme of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The organic farming project is an expansion of WACOT’s 2020 organic sesame pilot, which resulted in a significant increase in national yields and earned international certification from ECOCERT.
With the new initiative, farmers will be given training in organic farming, access to certified inputs, support in agroforestry practices, weather forecasting systems, and financial services.
As part of the project, WACOT has committed to purchasing all of the farmers’ organic harvests, ensuring they receive premium prices for their certified products.
Naveen Chaurasia, WACOT’s Managing Director, explained, “This initiative underscores our commitment to sustainable farming. It’s not just about improving yields but also enhancing the livelihoods of local farmers, boosting their incomes, and supporting Nigeria’s export sector.”
In her remarks, Head of Strategic Partnerships at TGI Group, Habiba Suleiman emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships in achieving sustainable development.
She noted that the collaboration with DEG Impulse and BMZ demonstrates how aligning business objectives with development goals can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes.
According to her, this project is a testament to TGI Group’s commitment to investing in rural communities and driving economic growth.
She also pointed out that by supporting the adoption of organic farming and climate-smart practices, the initiative will not only contribute to a healthier environment but also pave the way for a more prosperous agricultural future in Nigeria.
