BATN foundation empowers agribusiness owners

To support the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Lagos State, the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATN Foundation) in partnership with the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA) has donated 20 fifty-kilogram smoking kilns to beneficiary farmers and agribusinesses.

With the support of the BATN Foundation, the LSADA also facilitated several weeks of intensive capacity building and established four demonstration sites for practical training for over 200 beneficiaries cutting across agricultural zones (Agege, Ojo, Ikorodu and Ibeju-Lekki) in Lagos State.

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

The handing over ceremony of the smoking kilns to the beneficiary, held at LSADA office, Oko-Oba Agege, had in attendance government officials, fish farmers’ groups, and cooperative societies across the state. 

Elizabeth Tagbenu, a beneficiary of the initiative stated that participating in the training has provided her with new knowledge and real-life scenarios to increase output. She also mentioned how the smoking kiln donation will help her business and boost productivity.

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.

General Manager, BATN Foundation, Mr. Oludare Odusanya at the handing over ceremony, said the Foundation’s long-standing assistance to farmers has revealed the importance of not only imparting optimal agricultural practices for enhanced fish production but also ensuring market access and empowering them to enhance the value of their commodities. This approach, according to him, is essential for building resilience against price volatility.

Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Ruth Abisola Olusanya, who was represented by Mrs. Aramide Gansallo, Director, Agribusiness, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, urged fish farmers benefiting from the initiative to maximize this opportunity for successful fish processing in the State.