Institute director canvasses suitable agric training for geo-political zones

National Executive Director, Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM) Ilorin, Dr Yomi Kasali has canvassed agricultural training along the peculiar needs of geo political zones of Nigeria towards greater outputs and improved Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of the nation.

Kasali, while addressing participants at the Training on N-Agripreneur in Milling and Threshing Enterprises at the NCAM, said agricultural needs of each of the existing six geo political belts of Nigeria should determine the agricultural machines to be made available in such areas.

The event was bankrolled by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the NCAM.

According to the NCAM boss, “it is high time we commence distribution of agricultural equipment especially tools according to the needs of the people.

For instance, what are we doing with tuber related equipments where only grains are planted? There should not be anything like equal distribution of tools but distribution according to the needs of the people.

“At NCAM, one of our core values is designing and fabrication of agricultural equipment. As we carry out this function, we are cognizance of the multifarious agricultural belts in the country and so designed tools according to their needs and peculiarities.

We expect equitable distribution as well. It is of no use if designed equipment is kept where they are not needed.”

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the event that drew 95 participants from states such as Yobe, Sokoto, Borno, Katsina, Jigawa and Kebbi, the Executive Director of NCAM, Engr. Dr Kasali disclosed that the institute has highly trained personnel who could impart special skills in any area of agricultural mechanisation and marketing.

Kasali, who was represented by a senior director at the centre, Engr. Dr Yinka Ademiluyi urged the participants to return to their localities and disseminate the acquired skills to their people especially their peers.

He added: “I am optimistic that if you all become trainers in your various communities as expected, the current challenges of wastages associated with food processing and storage will be greatly curbed.”

Earlier, the representative of IFAD-CASP Mr Bello Achem, described the training given as ‘technically satisfactory’, urging the participants to promptly spread the knowledge gained before they would forget.

Achem said the training was the second phase with the modules designed for specialisation in the chosen field just as the first dwelled more on general agricultural enterprises.

Starter packs were later distributed to the participants to boost their morale on utilising the knowledge gained.