Senator Ede Dafinone Empowers Delta Central Farmers Through Agricultural Training (Photos)

  

In a determined effort to boost food security and agricultural productivity in Delta Central, Senator Ede Dafinone has launched a two-day Agriculture and Food Security Training and Empowerment Programme at the PTI Conference Centre, Effurun, Delta State. The initiative, organized in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, is aimed at equipping farmers with modern techniques to improve crop yield and sustainability.

Delivering the welcome address on behalf of Senator Ede Dafinone, Olorogun Ejemudiaro Salubi, Head of Projects in the senator’s office, reiterated that agriculture remains a key driver of economic growth. He stated that the programme is part of the senator’s constituency capital projects, designed to empower women and youth with essential farming skills to enhance food production and self-sufficiency. 

The first day of the training, themed "Pest Resistance Vegetables: Tomatoes, Pepper, Maize, and Groundnuts," focused on equipping farmers with techniques to combat pest infestations and maximize productivity. Master Trainers from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture provided in-depth lectures on best agricultural practices and effective pest management strategies.

Mr. Obasi Sunday, a Master Trainer, led the session on "Production Protocol of Tomato, Hot Pepper, and Sweet Pepper," educating farmers on seed preparation, soil management, irrigation, and pest control. Mrs. T. Adeshola followed with a detailed presentation on okra farming, highlighting modern techniques to improve yield and resistance to pests.

Similarly, Mrs. Olabisi Oladele discussed "Profitable Groundnut Production and Major Pest Challenges," offering insights into disease control measures and soil fertility management. Mrs. Raheem Adejoke Arike educated farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for maize production, stressing the importance of crop rotation, soil testing, and organic farming.

To broaden farmers' perspectives on agribusiness, Ogechi Happiness Ewa delivered a session on "Agri-Business Based on the SHEP (Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment & Promotion) Approach," aimed at helping farmers transition from subsistence farming to commercial production. Additionally, Gloria Owunari introduced the Cooperative Business School (CBS), urging farmers to form cooperatives to access financial support and government interventions.

Participants at the training expressed enthusiasm, stating that the programme provided valuable insights and practical solutions to challenges they face in crop production. Many acknowledged that the knowledge gained would help them increase their yield, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve their livelihoods.

While some starter packs were distributed, organizers announced that the distribution would continue on the second day of the programme. Both today’s participants and those attending on the final day will receive their full starter packs, which include high-yield seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and farming tools. Beneficiaries were advised to utilize the items strictly for farming purposes and not for resale.

The programme is set to continue tomorrow with a focus on fish farming and aquaculture, where participants will be trained on fishpond management, fingerling rearing, and sustainable aquaculture practices. Farmers were encouraged to return for the second session to take full advantage of the knowledge-sharing and empowerment opportunities provided by Senator Dafinone’s initiative.