Varsity Trains 30 Farmers, Others On Gardening

Centre for Gender, Youth and Child Development, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, has organised a one-day training workshop for over 30 farmers, urban and semi-urban dwellers on smart home and micro-gardening.

Declaring the workshop open, the vice-chancellor of the university, Prof Maduebibisi Iwe said the university will continue to provide practical knowledge, innovative and technological skills to promote food security in the country.

Represented by the president of the Women Association of the university (MOUAUWA), Dr Nkechi Iwe, he extolled the director of the centre, Prof Mabel Onwuka for her innovative approach to end food insecurity in the country.

Iwe, therefore, urged the participants to make utmost use of the knowledge and skills gained to not only achieve the aim of the workshop, but to also improve on their household income.

In her remarks, Onwuka expressed worry over the recent hike in food prices in the country and enjoined the people to embark on growing some of the food items through gardening to cushion the effects of the hike.

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The agric expert, who noted that by doing so they will also boost their savings, added that even the smallest space in their backyard can produce a good quantity of vegetables, fruits, and herbs among others.

Also speaking, the deputy director of the centre, Dr Ngozi Achi urged the people to buy into the system to provide enough food for themselves.

A member of the association, Prof Mary-Ann Ndirika, who stressed that the people should embrace gardening, lauded Onwuka for the innovation, describing it as the answer to the hike in food price.

In his presentation entitled, “Arts of growing healthy crops in home and micro gardens,” a resource person, Mr Josa Jerry, said it is possible for people to grow good quality food around their home through gardening.

Responding on behalf of the participants, Miss Onyema Chinaza, a graduate of Biochemistry of the university expressed appreciation for the workshop, assuring that they will put the knowledge to use.