Research institute, Abia AFAN train farmers on agronomics of tubber, roots crops

By Steve Oko

National Root Crops Research Institute, (NRCRI) Umudike, Abia State in collaboration with the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, has conducted a one-week intensive training programme for farmers in Abia State on good agronomic practices for sustainable production and value addition of roots and tuber crops of economic importance.

The training featured, among other packages, advanced methods of cultivation from land preparation to harvesting period.

Participants were exposed to indigenous seed system and multiplication aimed at breaking Abia State’s dependence on external sources of food some of which pose health risks.

The farmers were also trained on how to move beyond selling raw produce to value addition through processing of root crops such as cassava, yam, sweet potato, coco yam, ginger and other commodities.

Speaking during the practical training, the Chairman of AFAN Abia State chapter, Mrs Gift Ogbonna, expressed delight over the training which she said was aimed at improving the capacity of farmers in the state.

She said AFAN partnered the NRCRI to organize Abia farmers on “how to process, package and brand the commodities to meet national and international market standards and increase farmers’ income.”

She, however, explained that the training was not sponsored by government or any development partner, but stemmed from the desire of the association to update its members on modern trends in agriculture for more efficiency.

“AFAN members tasked themselves to participate in the programme to enrich their knowledge in modern farming techniques”.

In an interview with newsmen, Coordinator of Farming Systems Research Programme, NRCRI Umudike, Dr Innocent Onyekwere, said the farmers were taught so many things including how to use cassava floor to bake confectioners.

Dr Onyekwere, expressed confidence that participants could create effective storage system to prevent post-harvest waste.

He, however, cautioned farmers against indulging in dangerous practices like using detergent to process cassava staple known as fufu.

Dr Onyekwere advised Government to identify genuine farmers for fundings and agric inputs “instead of making audio and political farmers who have no idea about farming,” beneficiaries of such gestures.

One of the participants, Dr Chibuzor Obiesili, described the training as very impactful and productive,” saying it provided participants with valuable knowledge and skills to enhance their agricultural practices and improve their livelihoods in the current economic climate.

He commended the resource persons for emphasizing the importance of value addition and product diversification in improving agricultural productivity and income generation.