On May 15, 2023, the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization, Thailand Chapter, flagged off the Second International Training of Trainers in Agricultural Sustainability Initiative for Nigerian Farmers, at the Maejo University in Thailand.

At the opening ceremony, speeches were given by several esteemed individuals, including Maejo University's President, Associate Professor Dr. Weerapon Thongma, His Excellency Mr. Djebah, the Nigerian Ambassador to Thailand, Dr. Lloyd Nwafor, the President of NIDO Thailand Chapter, and Mrs. Chinwe Ezirim, the Program Coordinator from Nigeria. They commended both NIDO Thailand and Maejo University for their efforts in supporting Nigerian Farmers to excel in their agricultural fields.

There are twenty participants who come from various states in Nigeria, including both the southern and northern regions. They arrived in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on May 14th, 2023, and will receive three weeks of training. Upon completion, they will be given a graduation certificate and a transcript of their study records.

The participants will delve into comprehensive Rice farming techniques, from A to Z, including year-round production using micro irrigation systems. The course will focus on Land development and preparation for rice cultivation, micro irrigation design for optimal yield in small paddy fields, organic enrichment of paddy fields to minimize inorganic fertilizer use, and control measures for fungal and pest infestations, including bird control.

Participants in the program will gain knowledge on vegetable and fruit farming for both local and export markets, covering topics from A to Z. The focus of the program will be on land development, construction and preparation for commercial tree crops and fruit farming, such as coconut, mango, orange, and guava. Emphasis will also be placed on irrigation techniques for year-round production.

 Another important aspect of the program is learning how to turn agro-waste into fertile soil for urban commercial farming. Participants will also learn about soil preparation for potted flowers, commercial tomato and pepper growing, and fruit cultivation. Additionally, the program will cover how to make alternative soil for potted plants.

This initiative aims to empower Nigerian farmers with the necessary skills to achieve self-sufficiency in producing essential food products, with a focus on items that currently require a significant amount of foreign exchange, such as rice, chicken, vegetables, and animal feed. This initiative aligns with the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

This project has received moderate sponsorship from the NIDO Thailand Chapter, in collaboration with Maejo University, which is Thailand's oldest and most reputable agricultural institution, established in 1934. The goal of this project is to revive the agricultural sector, which has experienced a significant decline in relevance. Furthermore, the program aims to tackle the issue of rising youth unemployment in Nigeria, as many young individuals lack the necessary skills to succeed upon graduation.

NIDO has gained extensive experience and knowledge over the years, leading to the conclusion that Nigeria should focus on understanding the factors contributing to Thailand's success in agriculture. This can be achieved through training and skill development in various agricultural aspects. Thailand holds top rankings as the leading producer of rice and shrimp, as well as the third largest producer of poultry globally, and the 14th largest exporter of food.