Nigeria: FG to Encourage Small Agric Entrepreneurs.

The government will soon hold a working area to fashion out programmes adaptable for the youth to encourage them in agric entrepreneurship.

A statement through the Special Assistant on Media and strategy to the Agriculture minister, Dr Olukayode Oyeleye explained though Lagos and Ekiti claims have started youth in agric programmes, the federal government's programme is going to be expanded to cover the full country.

He said the unemployment rate among the youth will largely be reduced through the programme tagged "Youth Empowerment through Agriculture Programme (YEAP). "

"Expanding rural dwellers' livelihood possibilities (leading to improved income) would slow up the urge to migrate to cities. But it is a fact we now have vulnerable youths, constrained by people capital, financial, natural, social or perhaps physical capital. They need for being targeted. They need to be helped to consider creation of micro-enterprises in the agricultural sector.

"They need coaching. They need assurances of service from government. They also should be allowed to participate in determination making in matters concerning these people. This way, we will produce a crop of youth agribusiness investors that will ensure the food security of Nigeria and keep the agricultural economy perpetually vibrant and also sustainable, " the statement read partly.