By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory Administration ,FCTA, through the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat ,ARDS, has begun process for the farmers to record bumper harvest during this year’s rainy season.
Acting secretary, FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Mr Ibe Chukwuemeka revealed that in line with the FCTA’s commitment to food security, 1,200 farmers and agricultural field officers in Abuja, had been trained on the effective handling and use of organic and synthetic fertilizers.
He said the exercise was part of strategic measures to boost food production and enhance food security.
The Acting secretary said the trainees who were drawn from the six Area Councils of the FCT, during a capacity building and sensitisation workshop were thoroughly drilled on the proper use and importance of organic fertilizers.
He described the initiative as apt training programme happening when the rains have started, as it will go a long way, in guiding them on effective measures in addressing soil fertility and crop failure through the use of the synthetic fertilizers.
Chukwuemeka, noted that the issue of capacity building especially for Extension Agents and Field Officers has been a priority for the Secretariat, because they are closest to the rural farmers, who due to lack of knowledge of efficient farming techniques have suffered a great loses.
He explained it is pertinent to note that the use of organic fertilizers (Granular and Liquid) is a new innovation that is practiced globally as it helps to promote rapid nutrient absorption by plants, and also improve soil fertility and plant growth leading to bumper harvest.
While calling on FCT farmers to embrace the new approach, ARDS boss assured them that the FCT Administration will not relent in its effort to find lasting solutions to the problem of crop failure experienced by farmers.
According to him; ” On inception into office, the present FCT leadership under the Hon. FCT Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello, and the Hon. of State, Dr. Ramatu Aliyu made their intention clear to pursue the implementation of grassroot oriented programme that will have direct bearing on the lives of FCT residents.
” It’s in line with that avowed commitment that the Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat, which is the arm of the FCT Administration charged with the responsibility of coordinating the implementation of agric development initiatives is organising this programme, as a way of bequeathing FCT farmers with knowledge of new and effective trends in agricultural practices.”
