Wednesday 3rd Nov.2021: Agricultural Farmers in Nigeria have been advised to take advantage of irrigation and efficient water management techniques, as a major strategy of achieving sustainable productivity as the world battles to adapt to climate change.
The call was made by the Executive Director of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Obafemi Awolowo University, Moor Plantaintion,Ibadan, Prof. (Mrs.) Veronica Obatolu who was reprsneted Prof L.B Taiwo during the opening ceremoney of the Empowerment and Training of Youths and Women on poultry, small ruminants value chain, irrigation and water management techniques in South West, Nigeria held at Prof.Adebowale Training Hall, IAR&T, Ibadan.
The Head, Agric. Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Prof. (Mrs)B.O. Lawal,in a opening speech reiterated the efforts of government in making Agriculture a lucrative and sustainable industry, “Agriculture is the new oil. Regardless of how the economy is, people must consume food,maize,fish,poultry etc. With the dwindling price of crude oil in the global market, government is clamouring for the need to diversify our economy and way to do this is to invest in Agriculture.
“There are lots of potential money generating avenues in the agricultural sector that is still abandoned and neglected by Nigerians. It is a potential employment opportunity in Nigeria, and it is simple to set up provided we get it right from the business plan. If we take agriculture as a business, we can tap into its unending resources and opportunities that could be generated from it.”
Prof Lawal in an Exclusive Interview with CEOAFRICA stated that Climate change is real and farmers can no longer depend on rainfed agriculture for sustainable productivity.
“The need for farmers to leverage on irrigation is of utmost importance. One of the major strategies of adapting to climate change is use of irrigation and efficient water management techniques (smart). As farmers we need appropriate knowledge and skill to be able to plan production, prepare and appropriate quantity of water required to irrigate their farms. For agriculture to be sustainable land and water must be used efficiently to reduce the negative impact on the environment, increase productivity for food security and profit making from agriculture”
The training which kicked off today will feature activities such as; Irrigation Farming-Basic irrigation, understanding sheep and goats-why invest in sheep and goat, commercial egg layer production amongst many other topics on day 1.
On Day 2 and 3, topics lined up include; Management and maintenance of irrigation equipment, Nutritional management strategies of sheep and goat, Broiler production, Maize production, prevention and management of diseases of sheep and goats, production of vegetables Farm,record keeping and marketing of agricultural enterprises etc.
The Executive Director, Prof Obatolu advised participants at the workshop to take advantage of the training to equip themselves with knowledge of latest farming techniques evolving around the world.
She added that over 200 participants drawn from states in the South-western part of Nigeria are taking part in the training adding that would help to teach them on how to maximise profit in their farming activities.
Some participants and facilitators of the workshop who spoke with CEOAFRICA thanked the Management of IAR&T and Ashford Scientific limited for organizing the training promising to take full advantage of the opportunity.
Some participants and facilitators of the workshop who spoke with CEOAFRICA thanked the Management of IAR&T and Ashford Scientific limited for organizing the training promising to take full advantage of the opportunity.
