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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The US Embassy in Nigeria in collaboration with a Non Governmental Organization (NGO), Unique Development Aid Foundation (UDAF) has conducted a capacity building training for Abia women farmers.
The training, which was funded by the United States department of State, United States Embassy in Abuja, and implemented by Unique Development Aid Foundation, trained the farmers on best practices in handling/processing cassava and basic business skills.
Speaking at the training which took place at Nkata Ibeku, Umuahia North LGA of Abia State, the Director, Extension, Agricultural Development Program in Abia State, Rev. Udensi Johnson, educated the farmers on the best and safe practices in cassava planting, harvesting, processing, consumption as well educating them on basic skills in marketing and general business strategies in cassava production.
Lecturing the participants on the systems in planting cassava that would generate improved yield, Johnson introduced the TME 419 variety and educated them on why the improved variety was better.
He informed them the harvesting period for cassava should be from eight to 12 months if a farmer must get the best results.
Johnson who equally trained the women on proper placing of cassava stem in the soil, said the TME 419 variety which is available at Abia State Ministry of Agriculture, National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike produces bountiful yields and is also resistant to diseases.
He added that hunger and poverty in the country can be drastically reduced, if adequate food is produced by farmers.
He cautioned the farmers against applying of pesticides without engaging the services of experts, even as he explained the difference between Cassava Mosaic Disease and Cassava Brown Disease Steak (CBSD).
According to the Director Extension, CBSD which is not yet in Nigeria, is a dangerous disease in Cassava which can wipe out the entire cassava farm where ever it infects.
He however, informed the participants that CBSD is not yet in Nigeria and therefore advised anyone who notices the presence of the disease to contact concerned government authorities for immediate actions.
The expert equally trained them on how and when to apply fertilizer on their Cassava farms.
While noting that several by products can be derived from Cassava to create wealth for the rural women, however, cautioned the participants against applying unsafe systems in the processing of cassava for human consumption.
He warned that not properly removing the starch in cassava before producing garri was very harmful to humans as consuming Garri produced from such system can cause cancer.
Another resource person, Dr Charles Nwankwo who is the Head of Department (HoD) School of Vocational and Entrepreneurial Education at Abia State College of Education (Technical) Arochukwu, warned farmers against experimenting with chemicals without consulting experts in that field.
He said that Nigerian Cassava farmers, especially the women can produce enough food to feed the nation and for general wealth creation if the are empowered and properly guided to achieve that.
He listed some challenges farmers face to include non availability of loans and grants for farmers, receiving loans and grants at wrong period of farming season, non availability of fertile lands, poor enlightenment among others.
One of the Directors of Unique Development Aid Foundation, Uchenna Ibeabuchi, said the Foundation was interested in empowering the rural women to becoming successful in their businesses.
He charged the participants to make use of what they learnt from the training.
The Chairman of the occasion, Mr Aguiyi Chukwuemeka, praised the US Department of United in the United States Embassy, Abuja and Unique Development Aid Foundation for coming to train the women of the community.
Some of the participants including Nwanyioma Peace, Chichi Ngozi among others, said they learnt new systems that would change their farming fortunes.
