The Agric Services Training Centre and Marketing Limited (ASTC&LM) was initiated by the Plateau State Government in collaboration with an Israeli company in 2009. Former Governor Jonah Jang initiated the training center to provide pure agricultural services in the state.
The center had several investments in greenhouse production, dairy, and training services. The program, which was located in each of the three geopolitical zones of the state, was also aimed at creating self-sustainable agricultural growth and boosting the sector through training farmers on modern best practices and rendering tractor services to farmers who can’t afford to purchase and maintain them.
The centers also sell tested agrochemicals and fertilizers, provide hybrid seeds and seedlings, advise on how, when, and the right quantity of inputs to use, and render services to clients.
Hundreds of farmers across the local governments of the state have benefitted from the program. Many of them said they achieved a lot through the training they received, adding, however, that the improved seedlings acquired from the centers were no longer available. Multiple sources told our correspondent that insecurity, which has been troubling the state for over 20 years, is one of the two major reasons the management staff of the program left the state for Ogun and other states of the federation.
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