Agribusiness: Cassava Growers train Edo farmers on farm mechanisation, good agricultural practices

The Nigeria Cassava Growers Association (NCGA), has completed training for framers in Edo State on farm mechanisation and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).

Explaining the rationale for the training, held in Benin City, the Edo State Chairman, NCGA, Donatus Imaghodor, noted that “The training will equip farmers with the tools and knowledge of how to increase and improve farm yield by deploying the right methods and techniques. This will enable them make more profit from the same size of land with less labour.”

He said the input from farmers at the end of the programme will assist the state government fulfill Governor Godwin Obaseki’s campaign promise to create 200,000 jobs for the youth.

“It will also assist the farmers to contribute significantly to the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and make the state the food basket of the nation,” he assured.

Imaghodor expressed appreciation to Governor Obaseki for his systematic efforts towards the development of the state especially in the area of agriculture, adding, “I appeal to the governor to help open more farmland, recognise smallholder farmers as they contribute in their little way to food security.”

A farmer, who participated in the event, Imafidon Helen, expressed delight at the training, noting, “I am happy that Edo State Government is focusing on agriculture to create jobs for youth in the state."

Imafidon added, “This training has equipped us with the necessary information needed to embrace mechanised farming to enhance our productivity and increase our income with less labour.”

"Mechanised farming will surely improve yields. We are happy to be part of the process as it will help the country produce more food.”

Marketing Communication Manager, Dizengoff Nigeria, Humphrey Otalor, explained that the training was organised to enlighten the farmers and assist them improve their yield.

“Edo state is a place we fill comfortable and encouraged to empower farmers because the government has shown interest in agriculture. The government is serious about creating jobs through agribusiness.”

He said the training will encourage youth in the state to go into farming and help eradicate food scarcity.

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L-R: Marketing Communications Manager, Dizengoff Nigeria, Humphrey Otalor; Edo State Chairman,Nigeria Cassava Growers Association (NCGA), Mr. Donatus Imaghodor; Edo State Women Farmers Coordinator, Apostle Patience Aiguobasinmwin; National Secretary, NCGF, Dr. Sylvanus E. Irondi; Mr.Sunday Daniel of NCGA; Sales Manager, Dizengoff Nigeria, Eastern Region; Mr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, during a one-day training for Edo farmers, organised by Dizengoff Nigeria and Edo State Chapter of NCGF, in Benin City, Edo State, on Friday, July 13, 2018