The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), on Wednesday, trained about 40 extension agents on extension tools and methodologies on selected agricultural value chains in Edo.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the training programme, Dr Mohmmad Abubakar, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, said extension delivery was critical to all agricultural policies and research.
Represented by the State Director, Edo FMARD Office, Wellington Omoragbon, Abubakar said the training was one of several strategies planned by the ministry to halt the drift in the extension delivery system in the country.
“One of the key recommendations of a special committee set up at the inception of this administration was to build the capacity of youths.
“And existing practitioner in extension service delivery, exposing and equipping them with best global practices and tools to enable them to deliver efficiently.
“This training is the first in series of batches that will empower you with the knowledge that will enhance service delivery to farmers,” he said.
According to him, “Nigerians desire to see that our extension service delivery system meets global competitiveness to ensure we have adequate food.”
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Ernest Umakhihe, noted that the capacity building was designed to bridge the gap between farmers and research and innovations.
Represented by Mr Ifidon Ohiomoba, the training supervisor, Umakhihe said the only way to guarantee food security was to reposition the ADP system through training.
“Through the provision of equipment and tools as well as funding to carry out their primary mandate and responsibilities to farmers,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Peter Aikhuomobhogbe, commended the ministry for the capacity building programme.
Aikhuomobhogbe stated that the training would empower participants with skills in the use of extension delivery methodologies and tools as well as the best global practices in the agricultural value chain.
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Food security: FG trains 40 extension agents in Edo