The Ebonyi Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) says that each extension agent in the state trains at least 80 farmers on improved farming and processing methods annually.
The Programme Manager of the agency, Mr Okike Onwuasoanya, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakiliki on Wednesday.
Onwuasoanya expressed joy that the development was yielding positive results with multiplier effects on crop yield.
“At the moment, we have at least 91 extension agents, who propagate messages on improved farming, processing, livestock and fisheries methods among farmers in the state.
“These extension services are provided at zonal and local government levels to ensure that farmers improve crop yield through modern farming methods,” he said.
The ADP boss said that such services were provided by the agency in collaboration with agricultural research institutes and universities, among other relevant bodies.
“We carry our demonstrations on farms and when a farmer indicates interest and satisfaction, we demonstrate other improved methods.
“We introduce new crop varieties, which benefit farmers and a test case is wheat, which is not common in this area,” Onwuasoanya said.
He regretted that in spite of the visible impact on the farmers’ crop yield, the agency was being confronted with inadequate funding.
“There is not much difference between us and other programmes, such as the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and FADAMA, among others.
“The most visible difference is that they are better funded and receive donor supports but we perform complimentary roles.
“We, however, receive assistance from the Federal Government through periodic training of agency’s staff members and farmers.
“This serves as a great source of motivation,” Onwuasoanya said. (NAN)
