The Nigerian Export Production Council (NEPC) has urged farmers to step up efforts in the production of high quality and affordable produce for competitive export markets and economic growth.
Mrs Amina Abdulmalik, NEPC Kogi Advisor, gave the advice at a workshop on capacity building techniques on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) for agriculture produce at Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi on Friday.
Abdulmalik explained that the workshop was organised following the enormous challenges faced by Nigerian farmers as a result of lack of compliance with international standards at the foreign markets.
“Farmers that produce affordable, yet high quality goods, will no doubt be able to keep up with competitive export markets and contribute to economic viability, social acceptability, food safety and quality.
“In fact, keeping to such practice can also enable farmers build their reputations before the public.
“Production of quality farm produce involves the application of available knowledge to address environmental, economic and social sustainability for on-farm production.
“It also involves pre-and post-production processes, resulting in safe and healthy agricultural products,” she said.
According to her, it is on this backdrop that the NEPC has made it a matter of utmost importance, to train and educate farmers on new techniques and best practices for improved agricultural production and sustainability.
The advisor said that NEPC was committed to supporting small holder farmers and processors of major agricultural commodities.
She listed areas of necessary interventions to include capacity building, farm inputs as well as support to acquire vital product quality certification and grants to improve on productivity.
According to her, good agricultural practices are important because they reinforce responsible farm methods; from site selection and land preparation, to harvesting and handling.
She urged participants to listen attentively and participate fully at the programme for their improvement in modern farming techniques.