Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Empowers Rice Farmers in Ebonyi and Ogun States
In a move aimed at enhancing the agricultural landscape of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMA&FS) has successfully trained and empowered 100 rice farmers in the rice-producing states of Ebonyi and Ogun. This significant initiative focuses on equipping farmers with the necessary tools and knowledge to bolster rice production in the region.
The farmers received a wide array of valuable resources, including high-yielding rice seeds, herbicides, and sprayers, which will undoubtedly contribute to increased and sustained rice production. The event was graced by the presence of the Regional Director of FMA&FS, Southwest, who represented the Permanent Secretary. In his address, he highlighted the ministry’s commitment to promoting commercial agriculture, with a focus on ensuring farmers can earn a sustainable income to improve their livelihoods.
“The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is organizing this training and empowerment program for rice farmers to teach them Good Agricultural Practices and support them with inputs to ease their operations,” emphasized the Regional Director. He further urged the farmers to embrace the technology introduced during the training, which promises to revolutionize rice production”.
Dr. Deola Lordbanjou, a Director in the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services, shared valuable advice with the farmers, stressing the importance of seeking assistance from extension officers when seeking the latest information on agricultural technologies.
One of the program’s resource persons, Mr. Akinwande Moruf, a Rice Value Chain specialist, delivered an enlightening lecture on the latest technologies for producing high-quality rice with maximum yield per hectare. Following the lecture, Mr. Oluwagbenga AyanfeOluwa, a leading rice farmer from Ogun State, expressed his appreciation for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s timely program, which significantly enhanced their understanding of the rice value chain.
The training program was attended by key officials from both the Federal and State Ministries of Agriculture, including Regional Director, FMA&FS, Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu, Dr. Deola Lordbanjou, Director of Extension, Mrs. Solape Awe, the Program Manager of Ogun State Agricultural Development Project (OGADEP), Mrs. Sobande Victoria, the Director of Research and Training, and Mr. Akinniyi Olufemi, Director of Extension of OGADEP. Additionally, Mr. Johnson Sotayo represented Dr. Ayo-Ajayi, Ogun State Coordinator of FMA&FS.
The training sessions took place separately at the headquarters of the Ogun and Ebonyi States Agricultural Development Programs in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, respectively. This noteworthy initiative by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is poised to have a transformative impact on rice production in these vital agricultural states
