From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Farmers in Nasarawa State, particularly women, youths, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), have been encouraged to adopt urban farming and hydroponic techniques to enhance vegetable production for domestic and commercial use.
This call was made by Miss Damaris Uja, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager of the Women Environmental Programme (WEP), during a training session that commenced on Tuesday morning in Lafia, the Nasarawa State Capital.
The training, which attracted around seventy farmers, was supported by Christian Aid as part of efforts to promote climate-smart agricultural practices.
Miss Uja emphasized that the initiative is aimed at helping small-scale farmers, especially vulnerable groups, to tackle the challenges of climate change. She explained that hydroponic farming offers an effective way to grow nutritious crops, such as tomatoes and peppers, without the need for large expanses of land.
She further called on the Nasarawa State Government to invest in training extension workers on hydroponic farming techniques, highlighting that such efforts would significantly boost food production in the state.
Hydroponic farming expert, Mr. Sylvanus Bature, elaborated on the simplicity and benefits of the technique, noting that it allows farmers to cultivate crops in nutrient-rich solutions, making it ideal for urban areas.
“It’s a sustainable and economical method that can help improve food security and the overall health of the population,” he stated.
Mr. Sadanu Muhammed, Head of Produce and Crop Protection at the Nasarawa State Ministry of Agriculture, commended WEP and Christian Aid for their efforts and affirmed the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with stakeholders to promote the adoption of hydroponic farming across the state.
Several beneficiaries of the training expressed their appreciation for the opportunity, vowing to implement the knowledge gained in their communities. Participants such as Mrs. Asaba Averson, Hauwa Suleiman, and Balarabe Ahmed remarked that the practical sessions were invaluable and pledged to share what they had learned with others.
The Sun reports that the event concluded with a practical demonstration of hydroponic farming techniques and a lively question-and-answer session.