Abuja: An agriculture expert, Mr Sunday Obasi, has urged Nigerians and small-scale farmers to adopt all-year-round farming techniques in organic and climate-resilient agriculture to boost national food security. Obasi, a staff member of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, delivered this advice during an All-Year-Round Farming Training conducted in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the training was organized by Farm Flowers and Allied Products Initiative (FFAP). Obasi emphasized the importance of adopting improved dry-season farming techniques to enhance food security, reduce high market prices, and economically empower women. He highlighted the critical role of proper planning, water management, land preparation, and the use of suitable irrigation systems in successful dry-season farming.
In Northern states such as Kano, Katsina, and Sokoto, flood irrigation is commonly used. Obasi noted that while this method is effective, it often results in nutrient loss, necessitating soil enrichment. He identified land preparation as a significant challenge in Nigerian agriculture, stating that improper soil loosening could hinder crop performance regardless of fertilizer application.
Obasi also encouraged households to diversify their diets and reduce health risks by cultivating home gardens. He pointed out the profitability of greenhouse farming, where a standard greenhouse with approximately 490 plants could yield up to 1.2 metric tonnes of produce in six months, meeting the steady demand from retailers and supermarkets. Promoting vegetable production at household and community levels, he argued, would alleviate market pressure and stabilize food prices.
Mrs Christy Yakubu, President of FFAPI, remarked on the program’s design to equip farmers with practical skills to boost productivity amid climate variability. She highlighted the necessity of transitioning from traditional seasonal farming to meet national food needs, emphasizing resilient crop cultivation, efficient water and soil management, and the use of digital tools to improve yields.
Mr Cornelius Agenyi, President of the National Sugarcane Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NASPMAN), praised the initiative as reflective of the future blueprint for Nigerian agriculture. He addressed the challenges of seasonality, climate vulnerability, and high input costs in food production, noting the training’s role in providing practical skills for year-round cultivation.
Mrs Yamusa Ladi, National Women Leader of the All Farmers Association, emphasized agriculture’s role in healthy living, wealth creation, and national development. She advised farmers on understanding the right planting seasons and soil conditions, cautioning against improper planting that could lead to yield loss. Ladi underscored the importance of accessing quality inputs and the correct use of manure and fertilizers, sharing new methods for maize cultivation to increase yields.
The program aims to develop a resilient, efficient, and environmentally friendly agricultural system that enhances food security and economic growth. Continuous training and collaboration were encouraged to ensure farmers, particularly women, remain informed and empowered. (NAN)