By Ojugbele Omotunde
100 farmers have been given farm inputs by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), which has also educated 60 hibiscus growers in post-harvest handling methods and integrated pest disease management in Bauchi State.
This was said on Wednesday in Bauchi during the workshop’s opening ceremony by Mr. Abdullahi Abubakar, Director of the Federal Department of Agriculture.
He said the programme would assist in reducing post-harvest losses as well as the adoption of improved production-integrated pest and disease management (IPM) by the farmers.
“At least 100 farmers were empowered with a park of farm inputs that comprises crop growth enhancers, improved seeds, and pesticides.
The Workshop’s subject is “Adoption of Improved Production Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPM) and Post Harvest Handling Techniques,” according to Naturenews.
Abubakar, representing FMAFS, emphasized the effectiveness of hibiscus in treating common cold, constipation, pregnancy, teeth and gums and it’s anti cancer, anti hypertensive and anti depressant properties.
According to him, the ministry of agriculture in Nigeria has been promoting its hibiscus value chain since 2019, aiming to promote sustainable production, processing and marketing of roselle, create wealth and jobs and generate foreign exchange.
The Director invited farmers to pose some important queries on Hibiscus’ potential impact on Nigeria’s overall security, economy, people’s well-being, and natural resources.
The workshop’s goal, according to State Director of FMAFS Mr. Daniel Abarshi, was to promote farmers’ productivity, independence, and self-employment.
He emphasized the necessity of gathering pertinent farmers to raise knowledge of the crop’s potential and the plan for implementing policy.
“To develop the industry, harmonize the coordination and operation of the sub-sector participation and chart the way forward for the development of the industry,” he stated.
Abarshi exhorted the students to share what they had discovered with others in their specialized fields.
FMAFS has been lauded by one of the trainees, Mr. Mustapha Shehu, state Chairman of the Hibiscus Farmers and Marketers Association of Nigeria, for raising farmers’ awareness of hibiscus production.
He gave them his word that they would train other farmers in their villages and use what they had learnt to the fullest.