BY CHIBUZOR ISICHEI
Essentially, there are two primary types of farming: subsistence and Mechanised farming. Subsistence farming, simply defined and as the name implies, is practised in rural areas, while mechanised farming is the opposite and is practised on a large scale, mainly by big-time farmers, especially those with government support and the necessary resources.
People are venturing into farming due to various reasons, including growing demand, economic opportunities, food security, youth empowerment, innovation, diversification, technology and more. In Nigeria, some of the most profitable farming ventures include crop farming, livestock farming, fish farming and agro-processing.
Overall, farming offers numerous benefits for food security and income generation, personal satisfaction, job creation, improved livelihood, and stimulates economic growth.
On the above premise, Ughelli North Local Government, in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and Food Security under the Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture, Hon Efemena, recently organised a one-day training programme for farmers in the local government Area for Cucumber cultivation, cassava production, maize farming, yam cultivation, fish farming and poultry farming.
According to the reports, the event took place at the local government secretariat and was designed to empower farmers with essential farming skills, innovative ideas and contemporary methods. Also, the aim is to upgrade their productivity and assist them in becoming mechanised farmers.
From all perspectives, the move is progressive and worthy of emulation, especially now that the local governments have a lot on their hands to do.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Local Government Area, Barr Jaro Egbo, addressed the importance of training due to the declining state of farming and the upsurge in prices of foodstuffs in the market.
He noted that the programme was organised to revitalise the farming culture in Ughelli North Local Government Area, noting that every space in the area has fertile lands for agricultural activities.
The local government chairman revealed that Ughelli North has plans to fully engage in Palm tree farming and cassava production in the coming year.
This initiative, he said, is aimed at meeting the market food demand and generating revenue for the council.
The Ughelli North Local Government Chairman urged the participants to take the training seriously in order to apply the knowledge acquired in their training in their farming practices, which will enhance their productivity and increase their standard of living.
Speaking on the issue, one Engr Anthony Nnamdi, a businessman in Asaba, described the event as the best thing that has happened to the people in the local government area. He said that by going into farming, local governments in Nigeria can reduce poverty, improve food security and foster economic development.
He said that with events like this, local governments in Nigeria can consider going into farming or supporting agricultural initiatives as a way to improve food security, create jobs and support local farmers.
He named some potential models to include partnership with farmers, training, capacity and market development, among others.
He also stressed that training local government staff in farming is essential for several reasons, including improved service delivery, enhanced productivity, better decision making, increased agricultural output, job creation and effectiveness of agricultural programmes.
Another person, who spoke on the matter, Mr James Edet, an agriculturist, said some of the benefits of farming include access to fresh produce, improved health, community building, sustainable livelihood and more.
He said that it is necessary for each local government in Nigeria to go into farming for compelling reasons such as job creation, food security, improved livelihood and general economic growth.
He urged the people of Ughelli North and other local government areas in the State to take any training on farm produce seriously as it would help them in their future endeavours, nothing that there is a declining state of farming and an upsurge in prices of food items in the market, saying that this makes it necessary to review the whole thing in line with new trends.
He pointed out that most of the farming systems people are using today are old and outdated and need to be reviewed, adding that it was only programmes such as the one the people of Ughelli North Local Government would change the system for good, just as he lauded the local government chairman for the programme.
He also called on other local government chairmen to emulate Ughelli North.
