WEDNESDAY- 3rd November, 2021: The Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T),Obafemi Awolowo University, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, in collaboration with Ashford Scientific Limited organized a 2-week training programme for youths and women in Agriculture.
The training which is holding at Prof. Adebowale Training Hall, IAR&T, Moor Plantation, Ibadan is on Empowerment and Training of Youths and Women on poultry, small ruminants value chain, irrigation and water management techniques in South West, Nigeria.
The 2-week training which kicked off today, 3rd of November 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.
The 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.
Addressing the trainees, the Executive Director of the Institute, Prof Veronica Obatolu ably respresnted by Prof Lateef Taiwo, Head of Research Advisory and Intellectual Property Office said while declearing the workshop open“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.”
The Head, Agric. Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Prof. (Mrs)B.O. Lawal,in her 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”
See photos below:
IA&T organizes 2-week training for youths and women in Agriculture
IA&T organizes 2-week training for youths and women in Agriculture
IA&T organizes 2-week training for youths and women in Agriculture
IA&T organizes 2-week training for youths and women in Agriculture
IA&T organizes 2-week training for youths and women in Agriculture
IA&T organizes 2-week training for youths and women in Agriculture
IA&T organizes 2-week training for youths and women in Agriculture
IA&T organizes 2-week training for youths and women in Agriculture
