The Nigerian Association of Animal Health and Husbandry Technologists (NAAHHT), Oyo State chapter, recently organised its maiden edition Oyo Farmers’ Interactive Forum 2024.

The event which was organized in a bid to boost food production and keep farmers abreast of latest trend in agricultural practice was held at Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAH&PT).

Speaking, the Chairman, NAAHHT, Oyo State chapter, Mr Olayinka Oluwatoyin, said that the event was organised to further boost the knowledge of farmers in order for them to get the best from the investment in their day-to-day practice.

Olayinka said: “Knowing fully well the economic situation of the country and what farmers are going through in their practices, we feel farmers need adequate knowledge to break through because it is terribly difficult for farmers to break even not to talk of breaking through in their business.

“So we look at how we can cushion the effect of economic hardship on farmers and that was what brought about putting together this maiden edition of Farmers’ Forum where we call on farmers to come and hear from experienced farmers who have failed so many times and have regained their strength and feet due to lessons learnt from their numerous failures.

“It is also good to note that this session is free of charge so that it will serve as NAAHHT, Oyo State chapter’s palliative measure to farmers. This forum also serves as an avenue where farmers will learn about lastest in agriculture which they can apply to boost their productivity.”

“We have also discussed with Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAH&PT), and the college is responding positively. We want to encourage farmers irrespective of their status to acquire more knowledge by enrolling for short term courses at the college. This will go a long way in boosting their capacity and broaden their knowledge in agriculture.”

Also speaking during the event, Provost, FCAH&PT, Dr Koya Owosibo, said: “If you look at the cost of maize, soybean and other crops being used for animal production, you will notice that it is alarming. Now, we are looking at areas where we can explore to make sure that we produce quality animal protein and the ones that are not contaminated with drugs that can cause resistance in human antibiotics.

“This is the reason we are gathered here today and this maiden edition is a good one, the attendance is impressive and we will sustain it by the grace of God to make sure that we continue to interact with farmers.”

A stakeholder in livestock production who is also the Managing Director of Real People Concept, Mr Tunmise Olagbaju, while sharing his thoughts on the initiative by NAAHTT, said: “The programme is coming at a very important time when we have crisis, we have econmic meltdown, we have climate change issue.

“For instance, at the moment, rain is not falling, there are lot of issues and this is leading to food security crisis. So, the programme is coming at a very good time when farmers and other professionals can come together to share ideas on how to mitigate all the challenges to boost food security in Nigeria.”