IN a bid to boost food and agricultural technological innovation in Nigeria, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), North Carolina State University, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAH&PT), Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, recently brought together experts and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain to discuss workable modalities.
Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune on the sideline of the one-day workshop held on the premises of Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAH&PT), Ibadan, Oyo State capital, USDA fellow, FCAH&PT and host of the event, Dr Johnson Olupona, said in order for farmers to be in tune with latest innovation, they need regular training.
He noted that: ”Farmers must be trained in such a way that they will know better in terms of innovative ideas that are coming up from the research stations. And that is the reason for this type of workshop so that farmers can gain more knowledge from experts and apply it for their benefits.
“The knowledge will improve their productivity thereby resulting to availability of food on the table of Nigerians. So, I believe that there are so many things that can be done so that farmers can gain knowledge and make judicious use of it.
“I want to call on the government to support training programmes for farmers, sponsor extension workers to visit farmers in remote areas and that is why we are bringing experts to talk to us in order to have collaborative study. We want the government to support the idea of collaborative study in our research stations and colleges.”
Speakers at the event include: Key note speaker, Agricultural Counselor, US Consulate General, Lagos, Mr Christopher Bielecki; Consultant, University of Missouri USDA AFSI project, Dr Yemis Jeff-Agboola; Professor at North Carolina State University, Dr Fernanda Santos; CEO, Sorghum United, USA, Mr Nate Blum; Research Chemist, Food Science & Market Quality and Handling Research Unit, USDA ARS, Dr Ondulla T. Toomer and the Chief Host, Provost, FCAH&PT, Dr Adekoya Owosibo.
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