In its bid to enhance agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods of farmers in the state, the Enugu Fadama Platform, under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme, has organized a training workshop for farmers on the effective utilization and maintenance of power tiller machines.
Pix-: Farmers during the training.
The 3 days training, held at 6 various locations for 408 farmers from 51 Farmers Community Associations (FCAs), drawn from the 17 LGAs was organized to equip the farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge to optimize the use of power tiller machines distributed to them by the Enugu State Government.
The Head ,Technical Services, Enugu Fadama, Engr. Godson Onugwu in a welcome address, explained that the training was crucial for the farmers, as it will enable them to increase their productivity, reduce labour costs, and enhance their overall livelihoods.
Pix- Some of the participants
Engr Onugwu affirmed the State Government’s commitment to supporting farmers in Enugu State, saying the workshop demonstrates its dedication to empowering them with modern farming techniques.
He commended Enugu State Government under the leadership of Dr. Peter Mbah in empowering farmers with mechanized system of agriculture, saying that such gesture is a step in the right direction.
Pix- Training session
Onugwu enjoined the participants to take the training seriously in order to maximise the positive impact towards agricultural productivity and food security.
The training covered topics which included: Power tiller machine
operation and. safety precautions;; Maintenance and troubleshooting technique; Soil preparation and planting methods; Best practices for machine repair and maintenance among others.
One of the participants who spoke on behalf of the farmers, Benson Ude from Amoli Farmers Community Association (FCAs) in Awgu Local Government Area, appreciated the State Government and Fadama team for organizing the training, describing it as an eye-opener and life changing experiences.
He said “I never knew how to properly maintain a power tiller machine until this training. Now, I can confidently operate and repair it, which will significantly improve my farm’s productivity, it’s been very informative and practical”.
Pix- Practical session of the training m
There was a practical aspect of the training in a field test-run, where participants operated the power tiller machines and experience their practical applications.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama