Farmers Demand Trainings, Sensitization On Emerging Agricultural Technologies

Farmers groups have demanded for more frequent trainings and sensitization on emerging technologies, especially modern biotechnology.

This demand was presented at the sideline of a One-Day Biosafety and Biotechnology Sensitization Workshop for Farmers’ Associations, organised by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) in collaboration with African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and others in Abuja.

One of the farmers, who is also the National President, Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN), Dr Bello Abubakar, said that farmers, especially at the rural areas need to understand the workings of the new technologies and their benefits.

Abubakar noted that there were modern seeds and inputs that are already improving agriculture and farmers need know them and also maximize its potentials.

He equally lauded the efforts of scientists in developing biotechnology backed crops, which he agreed have changed the trends in the country’s agriculture.

He said, ” this is something that is very good for the farmers because the technology in farming is what farmers need sensitization on because they may just get some that is new to them which they don’t know, but with this kind of program, it is something that they will be aware and they will be sensitized so that they should know the kind of crop they were given and how they will benefit from it.

Another farmer, Mrs Judith Ekele urged farmers to consider the adoption of GMO crops, noting that “I spent less cultivating GMO beans, this beans specie, you spray chemical about two times but the old you must spray at least five times”.

Earlier in his remarks, the Director General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha the training became necessary to help farmers benefit from the emerging modern biotechnology.

According to him, the benefits of biotechnology are vast and profound, offering solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing our agricultural sector.

“From enhanced crop yields and improved nutritional content to resilience against pests, diseases, and adverse environmental conditions, biotechnology offers a spectrum of opportunities to propel our agricultural productivity to new heights.

“Moreover, biotechnology fosters sustainable agricultural practices, reducing the dependency on harmful chemical inputs and promoting ecological balance.

By harnessing the power of biotechnology, we not only safeguard the livelihoods of our farmers but also ensure food security for our nation”, Professor Abdullahi said.

Also, the Regional Representative for West Africa for the African Agriculture Technology Foundation (AATF), Dr Jean Baptiste, said “Through this sensitization program, we aim to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and harness the transformative power of technology and innovation in agriculture.

“Together, we will explore best practices, exchange ideas, and chart a course toward greater resilience, productivity, and prosperity on your farms”, Baptiste added.