June 08, (THEWILL)- The Federal Government has trained some Irish Potato farmers on simple farming business models, expected to improve the way they cultivate the crop.
The training, which was held in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, was tagged “A 5-Day Training on Farmers Business School (FBS) for Irish Potato Farmers.”
Addressing the trainees, the Director Federal Department of Agriculture of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Hajiya Karima Babangida, said it is a known fact that Irish potato is a premium cash crop sought after by many in the country and other West African countries.
She said: “The purpose of this 5-day workshop is to bring together Irish potato farmers in a class of thirty (30) each to build their capacity on simple farming business models and concept in order to increase their technical know-how on farming practices so they can earn more income from doing the same job.
“It’s important to know that FBS is capable of starting a potato revolution here in Bauchi State especially in Toro LGA and other communities in the state that has potentials to grow potato during the dry season.”
The Director said it was important for all participants to make good use of the training to learn and adopt the new farming business innovations that would be handed over to them over the course of the five-day workshop which covers twelve (12) modules with different topics and practical through participatory approach.
She noted that Potato farmers in Plateau State who were the first to benefit from FBS have profited from the adoption of these new farming business innovations; adding that the Ministry is poised to build the capacity of farmers in other states with the potentials to grow Irish potato with new innovations and techniques on GAP and FBS to ensure productivity and income generation.
She said: “I hope that by the end of this 5-day workshop the purpose for organising this FBS training would have been achieved and Potato farmers in Toro would have been equipped with the requisite skills and knowledge on farming as a business for increased productivity and income.
“The 60 participants would also be able to spread the knowledge on FBS to other farmers within the communities.”
The Commissioner of Agriculture in Bauchi state, Samaila Garba who represented by Babaji Miajama, Director Agric Services at the state Ministry said “capacity building is the key to any developmental program as such those farmers that were opportune to be nominated you term yourself lucky in that regard I will advise you to put what you learn here into practice.”
