Senator Ede Dafinone in a bid to strengthen food security and boost agricultural productivity in Delta Central, has initiated a two-day Agriculture and Food Security Training and Empowerment Programme at the PTI Conference Centre, Effurun, Delta State.
The initiative, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, is designed to equip farmers with modern techniques to enhance crop yields and promote sustainable farming practices.
Speaking on behalf of the senator, Olorogun Ejemudiaro Salubi, Head of Projects in the senator’s office, emphasized that agriculture is a vital pillar of economic development. She stated that the training forms part of the senator’s constituency capital projects, aimed at empowering women and youth with essential farming skills to increase food production and self-sufficiency.
The first day of the training focused on pest-resistant crops, covering key staples such as tomatoes, pepper, maize, and groundnuts. Expert trainers from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture provided practical insights into seed preparation, irrigation techniques, pest management, and soil fertility enhancement.
One of the resource persons, Mr. Obasi Sunday, led a session on "Production Protocol of Tomato, Hot Pepper, and Sweet Pepper," where he educated farmers on selecting high-quality seeds, soil preparation, and early pest detection. "Many farmers experience huge losses due to preventable infestations. With the right pest-resistant crop varieties and improved management techniques, they can increase their harvest and profits," he explained.
Similarly, Mrs. T. Adeshola, an expert in vegetable farming, discussed okra cultivation, emphasizing proper spacing, organic fertilizers, and disease-resistant seeds. She encouraged farmers to adopt modern techniques to improve their yields significantly.
Another critical session was delivered by Mrs. Olabisi Oladele, who addressed "Profitable Groundnut Production and Major Pest Challenges." She provided insights on soil fertility management, pest identification, and disease prevention, stressing that with the right knowledge, groundnut farming can be a highly profitable venture.
Mrs. Raheem Adejoke Arike, an expert in maize farming, spoke on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Maize Production, highlighting the importance of soil testing, crop rotation, and organic manure. According to her, "Farmers often underestimate soil health, yet it is the foundation of a successful harvest. Proper soil management can double maize productivity."
Beyond improving crop production, the programme also introduced farmers to agribusiness strategies. Ogechi Happiness Ewa led a session on the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment & Promotion (SHEP) Approach, which helps farmers transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture. She explained that market-driven farming would enable farmers to maximize their earnings and contribute to national food security.
Additionally, Gloria Owunari introduced the Cooperative Business School (CBS), urging farmers to form cooperatives to access financial support and government interventions. "By working together, farmers can tap into larger markets, secure funding, and benefit from group empowerment," she noted.
Farmers who participated in the training expressed gratitude, describing the programme as a game-changer in their farming practices. Mrs. Janet Akpofure from Udu Local Government Area said, "Before now, pests destroyed most of my tomato and pepper crops, but with these new techniques, I am confident my yield will increase." Mr. Moses Edewor from Ethiope West added, "I never knew proper soil management could impact my groundnut production this much. This training has been an eye-opener."
The programme continues into its second day, focusing on fish farming and aquaculture, where participants will receive training on fishpond management, fingerling rearing, and sustainable aquaculture practices. Mr. Augustine Oviri from Ughelli North, who runs a small fish farm, expressed anticipation, saying, "I have been struggling with high mortality rates among my fingerlings. I hope to learn proper management techniques to improve my fish farm."
As part of the initiative, starter packs—including high-yield seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and essential farming tools—will be distributed to all beneficiaries. Senator Dafinone’s commitment to agricultural empowerment remains unwavering, with the initiative expected to enhance food production, improve livelihoods, and drive economic growth in Delta Central.
