(Ecofin Agency) - The Federal Government of Nigeria under its Agricultural Transformation Support Programme Phase one (ATASP-1) has revealed plans to expend $175m in rehabilitating agricultural and ancillary social infrastructure in seven states

These states include Kebbi, Sokoto, Niger, Kano, Enugu, Anambra and Jigawa, Today news reports.

According to the National Coordinator of ATASP-1, Haruna Akwashiki, the project would be supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and will be executed by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Akwashiki said the Federal Government would fund the programme with $23 million, while the AfDB would contribute $152 million.

He added that the programme which will take five years is aimed at boosting the cassava, rice and sorghum value chains in the country and attract private sector investment in agriculture, reduce post-harvest losses, add value to local agricultural produce and develop rural infrastructure.

The national Coordinator stated that under the programme, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture will develop the agro-capacity of 200,000 youths in different aspects of agricultural activities also ensure that the farmers produce about 120,000 metric tonnes of assorted food crops every year for the country.

Anita Fatunji