…As FG Empowers Yam, Cassava farmers In Delta State
By Christy Aboghe
The Programme Manager, Delta Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (DARDA), Dr. Julius Omonizua has harped on the need for farmers in the state to adapt to climate change before planting crops.
Omonizua gave the advise during the opening ceremony of the emergency training on cassava and yam production organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, (FMARD) at Ibusa.
He said, with the worsening effect of the last year’s flood on farmers in the state, it was ideal for them to know the weather climate before and after planting crops in order not to be taken unaware.
The Programme Manager commended the Federal government for supporting farmers in the state through trainings and other benefits that would help mitigate the effects of the flood on farmers.
He also urged the Farmers to take farming profession as a business, so as make good earnings out of it.
The state Director, FMARD, Mr John Onowroke, said the training was to give the farmers early warning as it relates to climate change in the country which should not be taken for granted and also stressed on the need to embark on the training.
Onowroke, pointed out that the training would help them improve their capacity in growing of cassava and yam.
The Programme coordinator and Senior Agric officer, FMARD, Mr Chris Ovili called on the participants to take the training serious stressing that the knowledge gained would go a long way to improve on their farming business and also impact knowledge in the lives of the farmers.
Speaking, the senior Agric Officer, Mr David Melayekuku, said that the Federal government dimmed it right to ensure that all the states affected by the flood benefits from the starter pack.
Melayekuku, pointed out that each farmer would get starter packs at the end of the training as a support from the federal government to help them in their farm business.
The beneficiaries thanked the federal government for the privilege and support given to them.
The resource persons, Mr.Denis Abuga and Mrs. Mamode Ogboru lectured on the importance of diversification of crops and monitoring of weather conditions before planting.
According to them, water management, land management, fertiliser and manure application were important when planting.
