Stakeholders Unveil Training Program On Smart, Sustainable Farming Practices

A non-for-profit industry association, CropLife Nigeria in collaboration with Extension Africa have unveiled a training program to sensitise and train Nigerian farmers on good agricultural practices that involve responsible use of both organic and in organic crop protection products in an integrated pest management strategy.

The partnership focused on capacity building for farmer business associates for smart, viable and climate-friendly crop protection practices in Nigeria, with the pilot phase beginning with Kano, Kaduna and Jigawa States.

At the launch in Abuja on Thursday with the theme, “Safe Farming And Sustainable Future” the training aims at unlocking the potentials of sustainable agriculture through training of farm extension agents also known as farmer business associates on safe crop production.

President Of CropLife Nigeria, Mr David Achimugu in his welcome remark, expressed delight over the launch of the training, adding that there is need to adopt best practices in farming.

“This programme will provide the optimal setting for best practice not only in sharing experiences but also in relationship-building between experts from the partnering organizations, progressive farmers and institutions with agricultural and or regulatory mandates, across the country and around the world.

“Interestingly, today’s programme will feature interactive panel discussions, focusing on how the agricultural innovations in recent times could be adopted to revolutionize the way we farm, thus positively increasing our national agricultural productivity, food safety and security.”

About the organisations, CropLife Nigeria represents the plant science industry and biotechnologies, most especially the crop protection sector which includes conventional pesticides, biopesticides and plant technology, while Extension Africa (EXAF) is an agro-tech extension services provider to value chain actors in the agricultural sector.

On his part, Director Of Stewardship, Crop Life Africa And Middle East (CLAME), Mr Ibrahim Traore while speaking on the sidelines of the event said sustainable crop production becomes attractive particularly the small holder farmers when exposed to skills of integrated pest management (IPM) which removes excessive drudgery and and the high risk of yield loss from stack of weeds, insects and diseases. The current unpredictable pattern of rainfall (climate change) occasioned by global warming calls for adoption of smart technologies in agriculture.

He said in other to make farming sustainable it is important to find several methods that can improve the income of the African farmer that will allow him work and live a dignified life!

Traore urged farmers to increase their technical skills and adopt best practices in their operations while paying due consideration to the impact of climate change on agriculture and the environment.

Also speaking, representative from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security, Gloria Iboroma, Agricultural Extension Department, expressed pleasure in the partnership and the launch of the program.

“The Safe Farming and Sustainable Future” project aligns with our vision for sustainable agriculture. By adopting eco-friendly methods, farmers can mitigate climate changes’ impact, ensure biodiversity and promote environmental stewardship.

She urged farmers to seize the opportunity to acquire new skills and knowledge. “Your participation will significantly contribute to Nigeria’s agricultural growth and development.”

The event was attended by representatives from Federal Ministry of Environment, NAFDAC, Women Farmers Association, FCT Chapter and other stakeholders.