The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has trained 60 hibiscus farmers on post-harvest handling techniques and integrated pest diseases management in Bauchi State.
The ministry also empowered 100 farmers with farm inputs in the state to promote sustainable production, processing and marketing of roselle in Nigeria and to create jobs.
Speaking yesterday at the workshop in Bauchi with the theme; ‘Adoption of Improved Production Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPM) and Post Harvest Handling Techniques’, the director, Federal Department of Agriculture, Abdullahi Abubakar, said the training would help in reducing post-harvest losses.
He said at least 100 farmers were empowered with a pack of farm inputs that comprise crop growth enhancer, improved seeds and pesticides.
Represented by the Mrs Oje-Imoje Linda of the horticulture division in the ministry, he said hibiscus is effective for treatment of common cold, prevention of constipation, weakness, healthy pregnancy and maintains healthy teeth and gums.
“It possesses anti-cancer and anti-hypertensive properties, lowers blood sugar level and has anti-depressant properties, slowing down aging as it contains anti-aging properties, the leaves aid in detoxification of the body and reduction of cholesterol level,” Abubakar said.
According to him, the sterling qualities and benefits of this crop underscored the reasons why the ministry had been promoting its value chain since 2019.
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