Institute Trains 2,000 Youth Farmers In Nasarawa

The Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR) of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has commenced field training of 2,000 youth farmers and extension agents in Nasarawa State on improved irrigation system for dry season rice production.

The training is part of the African Development Bank (AfDB) funded project tagged: ‘Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) – Water Enabler Compact (WEC)’, being implemented by IAR and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI)

Professor Henry Igbadun, National Coordinator of TAAT-WEC project, began the training exercise on Thursday at the project demonstration farm in Azuba-Bashayi Village near Lafia.

Igbadun said the field training was a follow-up to the pre-season workshop held for the youth farmers and participant on December 17, 2019.

He explained that the project was geared toward exposing the participants to simple irrigation technology on improved water management to boost rice production.

According to Igbadun, the three years project began in 2019 with a baseline survey and the introduction of the technology to farmers to encourage dry season rice production in the state.

He added that the second phase involved the field training of the farmers and extension agent on the practical application of the irrigation system.