FG embarks on training of agric extension across the federation

*Ogun commends

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) Alhaji Muhammad Sabo Nanono has flagged -off the training and deployment of Extension Workers across the 36 States of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Nanono said in a statement made available to the press that the exercise was part of the Federal Government’s (FG) effort to promote extension services in agriculture with the aim of improving productivity of crops, livestock and to ensure food security in the country.

                     

Speaking during the flag off exercise held at the FCT Agricultural Development Project (ADP) headquarter, Gwagwalada, Abuja, where 1100 trainees attended, the  Minister according to the statement said that “agricultural extension delivery is the driver of all agricultural policies and research, without which all effort in the agricultural ecosystem may not realise its intended goals.” 

The minister noted that the activities of the agricultural extension system has declined majorly due to lack of funding, policy changes, reduced man-power and lack of the interest of the youths in agricultural entrepreneurship the country, saying the situation has affected foods production, and thereby exposing the country to danger of unemployment, youth restiveness and economic instability.

Nanono explained that an earlier committee on the revitalization of extension service in Nigeria had been constituted to revitalize extension services mechanism towards a pragmatic institution to achieving sustainable structures using a global acceptable approaches and platforms. 

The minister also urged the trainees to take the training  seriously,  stating that "by  the time you  finish this training you  will regard yourselves not only as an Extension worker  but also  as a farmer that will contribute his quota to the Gross Domestic Product of this country."

                       

Also in Ogun state, where the same training took place simultaneously, the Ogun state Commission for Agriculture, Dr. Samson Adeola Odedina commended FMARD for the training as he promised the knowledge acquired would be extended to other workers across all the local government of the state.