The Federal Government is leaving no stone unturned to bring about a radical increase in food production in the new year, as part of efforts to mitigate the projection that over 26 million Nigerians may be caught up in the hunger bracket in the new year. It is doing this through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. It is tackling the challnegs in the production of rice, wheat, maize, cassava and other food items. However, conscious of the need to also battle nutrition problems through balanced diet, it is also investing in vegetable farming. To this end it is using the platform of the National Horticultural Research Institute, NIHORT, to empower farmers in Badagry, Lagos State, with skills in vegetable production and value addition practices.
A total of 58 farmers from different farm groups in Badagry were trained and equipped.
During the two-day workshop, farmers were trained on the agronomic techniques for the vegetable production of basil, telfairia, ocinum and corchorus. They were also tutored on pest and disease management of telfairia, ocinum and corchorus.
Value addition of vegetables and economics of production and record keeping were also part of the empowerment received by the farmers during the training.
While giving an overview of the training, the convener, Dr Olutola Oyedele, said the purpose of the training is to build the capacity of youths, in order to empower them and to enhance income generation for them from vegetable production while putting in place sound agronomy practices.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Dr Mohammed Lawal Atanda, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, NIHORT ably represented by Dr Henry Akintoye, while speaking during opening ceremony, said that NIHORT is contributing its quota to the development of Nigeria through real time research and innovation all aimed at helping farmers in their agricultural objectives
Atanda advised participants to make judicious use of what they learn during the training for their personal good as well as the development of agriculture in Nigeria.
Participants commended NIHORT for the initiative, expressed delight and amazed that they got such practical and cutting edge farming knowledge at no cost including the fact that they were treated to sumptuous meal throughout the duration of the training.
“We are looking forward to having NIHORT come at least twice every year to assess their progress” one of the participants said.
NIHORT Empowers Vegetable Farmers for Better Production
