The Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat of the FCT Administration has conducted training sessions for agricultural field officers to enhance their services to farmers, with the goal of achieving abundant harvests in the territory.
Mandate Secretary Mr. Lawan Geidam, speaking at the training held in Abuja, emphasized the importance of improving officers’ capacity to offer technical assistance to farmers. The training, titled “Prevention, Identification, Diagnosis, and Management of Common Crop Diseases,” aims to reduce post-harvest losses by equipping officers with knowledge and skills to address crop diseases, pest infestation, and storage challenges.
Geidam, represented by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Grace Adayilo, highlighted the significant losses farmers incur due to inadequate agricultural practices. He urged field officers to educate farmers on combating crop diseases to enhance productivity.
The mandate secretary assured farmers of the FCT Administration’s commitment to supporting agricultural production, citing proactive efforts by FCT Minister Mr. Nyesom Wike and Minister of State Dr. Mariya Mahmoud towards food and nutrition security for all FCT residents.
Adayilo underscored the importance of blending traditional methods with modern agricultural practices, especially for small-scale farmers who face challenges accessing advanced technologies. She assured farmers of the Agriculture Development Project’s full support, emphasizing its grassroots nature to ensure government programs have the desired impact.
Mr. Ofili Beneath, acting Director of the Department of Agricultural Services, pledged continued engagement with farmers across the FCT’s 62 wards to provide vital information. He expressed confidence that the training would enhance knowledge-based agricultural practices and bring prosperity to FCT farmers.
