Golden Finger Farms and Ranches Limited is one of the farms that attract youths and other stakeholders in and around Abuja. Established by Major-General Ezra J. Jakko (retd), the is now also a training ground for the IITA youth in agribusiness project in collaboration with the Netherlands.
The retired military general explained how the idea to set up the farm came to him, his motivation, the journey so far, and the dream for the future. “I believe my motivation comes from my background – from my parents. My parents were great farmers, and I saw what they did on the farms. However, we also believe that the world has changed a lot and we believe we can improve on our traditional system or types of farming or agriculture.
“I believe the way my parents practiced is no more sustainable for this generation, especially if we are talking about bringing youths into agriculture. “What we are trying to do in Golden Finger Farms and Ranches Limited is to incorporate modern techniques of farming. Why not totally do away with our traditional systems?”
His decision to develop a hybrid farm and engage in a fully integrated agricultural system with a stake in various crops, cattle, and greenhouse horticulture was prompted by this question. The farm in Abuja has 65 highly automated greenhouses for producing vegetables, and there are additional greenhouses in the South West farm. Also, the farm assisted in the establishment of five completely operational greenhouses for other farmers who have faith in them.
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