MALLAM MOHAMMED SABO SAYS THE COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS BETWEEN FARMERS AND KEY STAKEHOLDERS IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR IN THE COUNRTY WILL NOT ONLY ENHANCE FOOD SECURITY BUT ALSO PROMOTE RURAL FARMERS PARTICIPATION IN FOOD PRODUCTION.

The Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mallam Mohammed Sabo Nanono says the collaborative efforts between farmers and key stakeholders in the agricultural sector in the country will not only enhance food security, but will also promote rural farmers participation in food production.

Mohammed Nanono stated this while declaring open a four-day Training for Extension Agents of the State Agricultural Development Projects, ADP organized by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in collaboration with National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, NAERLS and SASAKAWA-Africa Association/Global 2000 held at Rumuodomanya, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

The Minister represented by the Rivers State Director of Agriculture,  Loveday Etata explained that the training was a new strategy by the Ministry to boost agricultural Services in the rural areas and develop ideas that would encourage unemployed youths to be part of food production in the Country.

He urged the trainees to make judicious use of the training in order to achieve the aims of the programme.

In their separate speeches, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ernest Umakhile and Director, Federal Department of Agricultural Extension, Frank Satumari Kudla represented by the Rivers State Programme Manager of ADP, Chief Darius Dee-ueh and Mrs Gloria Iboroma said the Training Programme would erase youths unwillingness to embrace agriculture.

Earlier the Rivers State Programmes Manager of ADP, Chief Darius Dee-ueh said the Training was designed to build the capacity of ADP Agents in the twenty-three Local Government Areas of Rivers State to the reach out to rural farmers on the new methods of farming.

Our Reporter Anya, Godpower Lekia reports that the programme which featured paper presentation was attended by SASAKAWA Programme National Coordinator, Professor Sani Miko, and will be rounded-off today with presentation of certificates.