From: Tunde Omolehin, Sokoto

As part of its effort to boost agriculture sector in the state, the Sokoto State Government is to engage no fewer than 80 extension workers to aid farmers in the state.

Those to be employed, according to a statement issued in Sokoto, on Tuesday, by Governor Aminu Tambuwal’s media aide, Malam Imam Imam, are university graduates and holders of national diploma in agricultural science, agric-economy, crop science and related disciplines.

The statement read in part: “Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has given approval for the recruitment of additional extension workers to increase manpower and expertise in the wheat value chain in Sokoto state.

“Having introduced wheat to farmers in the state, government will continue to show keen concern for its development.

“Eighty persons will be employed in the first phase of the recruitment, with more to follow in due course.

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“Those to be employed will aid wheat farmers make informed decisions especially as they engage with companies buying their products after harvests.

“The overall objective is to ensure that we achieved the ratio of one extension worker to 500 farmers. As such, more people will be employed in subsequent phases of the recruitment exercise,” the statement said.

It said the extension officers will also lead consultation with farmers and the various business concerns who have shown interest in partnering with the government to develop agriculture in the state.

According to the statement, the extension workers will be trained in latest trends in the business and will play a key role in efforts to modernize the agric sector in Sokoto state,

The statement also noted that government will continue to engage farmers with a view to increasing yields and tackling challenges that may arise in the sector.