IITA, NRCR, NAFDAC collaborate to train spray service providers in Abia

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCR), Umudike, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the Abia State Agricultural Development Program (ADP) have collaborate to train 105 spray service providers on herbicides application, safety and use in Abia state.

The training was carried out in two locations – Umuahia and Isuikwuato Local Government areas. The participants were trained on different types of weed species, herbicides, and tips on application, calibration, and safety.

Also, practical session on calibration was conducted to help participants understand the principles and importance of calibration.

Bato Onyemaobi, program manager of ADP in Abia state, said the training aligned with the state government’s agricultural development program.

Onyemaobi described improved weed control as a critical component of cassava production, adding that without good weed control farmers would not be able to make profit from farming.

Also speaking during the training, Nnamdi Udueze, chairman of Isuikwuato Local Government area commended the IITA cassava weed management project for organising the training, and pledged to work with the team in his domain.

Recently, Abia state like other states in Nigeria has embarked on economic diversification with more attention to agricultural development.

Friday Ekeleme, principal investigator of the IITA project said on that the training was aimed at empowering farmers with the skills to control weeds while at the same time protecting themselves and the environment.

Ekeleme noted that Abia farmers would benefit tremendously from agriculture with improved weed management, adding that “the objective of the IITA Cassava Weed Management Project is to address the drudgery caused by the use of short handled hoe.”