A non-governmental Organisation (NGO), Food For All International (FFAI), has introduced an award for outstanding farmers in the Niger Delta.
The Head of operations of the organisation, Mr John Kalada Owajie, who said this during the annual preplanting season workshop for farmers in Rivers State, said that the award is to recognize farmers who have put in their energy and resources in the production of feed in the society as well as encourage others in the society.
Awajie said that, the organisation has chosen Miss Ethel Clarie Niagwan a model fish farmer for award this year and disclosed that the organisation which was established in 2002 to improve the quality of life for rural farmers through the production, multiplication and distribution of high quality seeds, feeds, testing and quality control.
He also said that the organisation seeks to transfer proven, suitable and adaptable sustainable agricultural technology and research findings in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria and beyond as well as reduce poverty and accelerate the empowerment of women.
Mr Uwujie said that the workshop was to prepare farmers for the new planting season. Also speaking, the South-South Zonal Director of National Agriculture Extension Research and Liaison Services (NARLS), Professor Chris Chinako, said the institute has always collaborated with Food For All International (FFAI) to improve agriculture in the Niger Delta.
Professor Chinaka said that the workshop will help farmers to plan their calendar of operations as well as guide them on what to do and how to do it.
Also speaking, the director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Mr Simon Robert said South/South-East, said that the workshop will teach farmers different methods of planning that will be useful in their operations.
Also speaking, the secretary of the Nigerian Cassava Growers Association, Rivers State, Chief John I. Okocha (JP) aid that the farmers will remain grateful to the organisation for the workshop which he said has improved their method of planting.
The workshop featured seminars in moringa, snail farming, use of chemicals as well as the free distribution of planting materials.
