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Nigerian Government trains farmers on cassava value chain production in Abia
As part of its efforts to ensure that the yield gap in cassava is addressed through dissemination and adoption of improved technologies as well as innovation by smallholder farmers, the Federal Government has embarked on the training and empowerment of smallholder farmers on cassava value chain production in Abia State particularly women and youths of Omoba in Isiala Federal Constituency.
The cassava farmers were exposed to how best to grow a good cassava crop which include: good site selection; proper land preparation; choosing desirable/improved varieties; healthy cassava stems selection, high yielding resistant varieties among other best practices
Speaking during the training at National Soil Laboratory, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Umuahia, the Abia State Director, FMARD, Mr. Victor Ihediwa said that the Federal Government is diligently working towards achieving food and nutrition security through its various activities by using a combination of policies and appropriate Agricultural technologies that would lead to job and wealth creation as well as improve living standards.
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He expressed optimism that the training would facilitate the creation of sustainable cassava production system, provide increased yield productivity, ensure good agronomic practices, and empowerment of youth and women in production.
The resource persons who include: Mr. Yakubu Ibrahim from FMARD and Agric Extension Officer, Mr. Daniel Ikechukwu Ndukwe lectured the farmers on how best to handle hardwood cassava stems to prevent bruises and damage to the nodes and to improve sprouting.
Other aspects of planting to improve cassava production touched by the resource persons include: the selection of the correct planting time; method of planting cassava cuttings; correct plant spacing; early weeds control; herbicide use in root and tuber crops; how to improve the physical and chemical properties of the soil; better land utilization, reduction of soil erosion and risk of crop loss by intercropping cassava with either maize or legumes.
Others include diseases and pests control: cassava harvest at appropriate time; and proper storage of cassava stems.
