Daud Olatunji
In a bid to bolster agricultural productivity and uplift the lives of rice farmers in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security recently conducted an extensive training and empowerment program in the rice-producing states of Ebonyi and Ogun.
This initiative saw the training and empowerment of 100 rice farmers, equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the rice production sector.
The beneficiaries of this program were provided with essential resources, including high-yielding rice seeds, herbicides, and sprayers, aimed at enhancing and sustaining their rice production efforts.
The event, representing the Permanent Secretary, was graced by the presence of the Regional Director of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for the Southwest, Mrs Abimbola Akeredolu .
In his address, he underscored the Ministry’s commitment to advancing commercial agriculture, ultimately enabling farmers to achieve sustainable incomes that can significantly improve their lives.
The programme’s core objective was to disseminate Good Agricultural Practices and offer critical support to rice farmers through the provision of essential inputs, thus simplifying their operations.
Additionally, the farmers were encouraged to embrace the latest agricultural technologies, which were an integral part of the training.
Dr. Deola Lordbanjou, a Director in the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services, took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of farmers seeking assistance from extension officers when they require information on the latest agricultural technologies.
This collaborative approach ensures that farmers remain well-informed and up-to-date with the evolving landscape of agriculture.
A highlight of the program was a lecture delivered by Mr. Akinwande Moruf, a specialist in the rice value chain.
Moruf enlightened the participants on the cutting-edge technologies for producing high-quality rice with maximum yield per hectare.
His insights were met with appreciation and enthusiasm, with one of the lead rice farmers, Mr. Oluwagbenga AyanfeOluwa from Ogun State, commending the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for the timely and informative program, which significantly enhanced their understanding of the rice value chain.
The training programme was a collaborative effort involving officers from both the Federal and State Ministries of Agriculture.
Among the notable attendees were Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu, Regional Director, FMA&FS; Dr. Deola Lordbanjou, Director of Extension; Mrs. Solape Awe, the Program Manager of Ogun State Agricultural Development Project (OGADEP); Mrs. Sobande Victoria, the Director of Research and Training; and Mr. Akinniyi Olufemi, Director of Extension of OGADEP. Additionally, Mr. Johnson Sotayo represented Dr. Ayo-Ajayi, the Ogun State Coordinator of FMA&FS.
The training sessions were conducted separately, with one held at the Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme headquarters in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and the other at Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
This approach allowed for more focused and tailored instruction, catering to the specific needs of rice farmers in each state.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s commitment to the development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector continues to yield tangible results, as this recent training and empowerment program stands as a testament to their dedication to improving the lives of farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture.
With the newfound knowledge and resources provided, the rice farmers of Ebonyi and Ogun States are now better equipped to contribute to the nation’s food security and economic growth.
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