The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) initiated a two-day training program in Ibadan on Monday, aimed at enhancing rice yield by focusing on seed production.
However, fifteen rice farmers from the South-Western states were selected to participate in the program.
Dr. Florence Kakulu, the FMAFS Coordinator in Oyo State, highlighted the ministry’s commitment to supporting farmers and ensuring food security in Nigeria.
“Agriculture is crucial to Nigeria’s economy, and FMAFS is dedicated to providing the necessary support for farmers and other agricultural value chains,” she emphasized.
The training focused on community rice seed production and Inclusive Business Management.
Kakulu stressed the importance of continuous training for farmers, particularly in seed production, to bolster Nigeria’s food security efforts.
“To ensure a viable seed supply, everyone involved in the seed sub-sector needs adequate training as they play a crucial role in the entire value chain,” she added.
Dr. Abdulmalik Nura, the FMAFS Rice Value Chain Desk Officer, emphasized the significance of rice in addressing food security challenges in Nigeria and called for increased attention from all stakeholders.
He highlighted the challenge of inadequate quality seed in rice production and emphasized the need for improved seed quality to achieve higher yields and self-sufficiency in rice production.
Nura urged farmers to engage in rice seed production instead of solely focusing on planting paddy rice, citing the importance of certified seeds in boosting rice yield.
He noted that the non-usage of certified seeds by rice farmers was a significant challenge affecting rice production in Nigeria.
The training aimed to equip rice farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills for quality rice seed production to enhance competitiveness in rice production.
Nura mentioned the National Rice Development Strategy II (2020-2030) as a collaborative effort to achieve national self-sufficiency in rice production by 2030.
Participants in the program received rice kits, herbicides, and other incentives to support their rice farming endeavors.