Abia trains agricultural coordinators and extension workers

The Abia State Ministry of Agriculture started a four-day training program on Tuesday for ward agricultural coordinators and extension workers. This training aims to boost agricultural development at the grassroots level.

The training is in partnership with the Agribusiness Incubation Centre at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU).

The theme of the program is ‘Strengthening Grassroots Agricultural Coordination for Sustainable Agricultural Development.’ It will teach modern farming techniques and agribusiness skills. The training also includes pest control methods and the duties of ward coordinators in assisting farmers and monitoring agricultural projects.

While opening the training, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Cliff Agbaeze, said it is both a privilege and a responsibility. Mr Agbaeze, represented by Stephanie Ariwodo from the ministry’s Department of Epidemiology, urged the attendees to take the training seriously.

He encouraged them to learn practical skills that would help them achieve real results in their communities. Mr Agbaeze explained that this initiative is part of Governor Alex Otti’s plan to transform agriculture in the state. He wants to ensure that programs lead to real benefits for farmers.

The commissioner mentioned that ward coordinators play important roles in tracking the beneficiaries of the Farmers’ Inputs Support Programme. They also verify how farm inputs are used.

He added that they should identify farmers’ problems and give timely feedback to the ministry for necessary actions. The Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, Ursula Akanwa, was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Development, Princewill Chukwudo. He called the training timely.

Ms Akanwa, who is a professor, pointed out issues like poor soil health, high input costs, climate change, limited extension services, lack of mechanization, and weak market connections as challenges in the sector. She highlighted the importance of organic farming, managing soil health, biological pest control, and climate-smart agriculture.

Ms Akanwa said ward coordinators are key partners in promoting agricultural development and making sure sustainable practices reach farmers directly. A participant, Oluchi Emesiobum, found the training very enlightening and impactful.

Mrs Emesiobum said it has deepened her understanding of smart farming, climate conservation, turning waste into wealth, organic fertilizer production, and modern pest control. She plans to share what she learned with farmers in her community to boost food production and security.

Another participant, Gabriel John, said the session on cassava farming was especially useful, even though Nigeria is a top producer globally. Mr John noted that getting more yield per hectare is still a big challenge. The training helped participants learn better site selection and crop management strategies.

The organizers believe this collaboration will enhance extension services across the 17 local government areas in the state. They aim to help farmers access technical support more easily.

This initiative should also cut down on post-harvest losses and boost agricultural productivity throughout Abia. The News Agency of Nigeria reported that experts from the university and the ministry conducted lectures and hands-on sessions on different agricultural value chains.