In a positive move to ensure adequate food for Nigeria population, the Federal Government has expressed its desire to see that the nation’s agricultural extension delivery system meets global competitiveness.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, FMARD Alhaji Muhammed Sabo Nanono said this on Umuahia, Abia State at the opening ceremony of the training of extension agents in the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory.
The Minister of Agriculture in his Keynote address read by the FMARD Abia State Director Engr. Victor Ihediwa expressed the readiness of the Ministry of Agriculture to actualize the dream of training of 75,000 extension workers and ensure food Security and job creation for Nigerians.
His words, “Over the years, the fortunes of the agricultural extension System has declined majorly due to decreased funding, policy changes, reduced manpower and lack of interest of young people in agricultural entrepreneurship. This situation has affected food production exposing the country to the dangers of unemployment, youth restiveness and economic instability.
“This training is one of several strategies planned by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to halt the drift in the agricultural extension system with aim of pursuing the revitalization agenda of the Nigeria economy by the Federal Government”.
In his speech, the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu represented by the acting Commissioner Abia State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Effort Nwankwo said that agriculture under Governor Ikpeazu is receiving a great boost.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chief Amanze Israel, Programme Manager, Abia State Agricultural Development Projects, Abia ADP expressed gratitude that a lot of good things are coming the way of Abia farmers through the ADP.
He said that many collaborations engaged by the ADP is paying off greatly and has seen them train and empower farmers in rice, maize and goat farming, Poultry, Pest control, Ginger farming, food processing and a lot more.
