NOA, Maidoki train 100 farmers on improved yam multiplication in Kebbi

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), in collaboration with Sen. Garba Musa Maidoki, representing Kebbi South Senatorial District, has trained 100 smallholder farmers on improved yam multiplication techniques.

The one-day capacity-building workshop, aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and food security in the state, was sponsored by Maidoki as a constituency project, drew farmers from seven Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Zuru Emirate.

The participating LGAs were Zuru, Fakai, Danko-Wasagu, Sakaba, Shanga, Yauri and Ngaski.

Speaking at the workshop, the NOA State Director in Kebbi, Mr Muhammed Nasir Karofi, said the programme was designed to equip farmers with modern knowledge and skills to improve yam production and promote economic resilience.

Karofi urged the farmers to move beyond traditional practices and embrace scientific approaches to seed-yam production and multiplication.

He said the adoption of improved technologies would help address the high cost and inadequate supply of quality planting materials, while strengthening local food systems.

The technical sessions were facilitated by Prof. Gona Ayuba of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero, and Dr Abdulkadir Usman Fakai of the Department of Crop Science, Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru.

The facilitators took participants through improved propagation methods, including minisett technology and vine-cutting techniques, designed to increase seed-yam output from limited planting materials.

The farmers were also trained on selecting healthy, disease-free planting materials, nursery establishment and management, land preparation, plant spacing and weed control.

Other topics included integrated pest and disease management, harvesting techniques, post-harvest handling, storage and commercial seed-yam production.

The training was expected to strengthen the farmers' capacity to produce quality seed yams, reduce reliance on conventional planting materials and improve their incomes through commercial agriculture.

The workshop ended with a call for sustained collaboration among farmers, research institutions and relevant government agencies to promote the adoption of improved agricultural practices across the state.

The NOA reaffirmed its commitment to public enlightenment and grassroots mobilisation to encourage agricultural innovation and stimulate rural economic development.