The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in conjunction with National Horticulture Research Institute (NIHORT), recently trained 500 farmers, including men and women on leafy vegetable (Amaranth, Celosia, Corchorus) production at Abigi town hall, Ogun waterside Local Government Area, Ogun State.

The training, also included the provision of agricultural equipment (knapsack sprayers, rainboots, farm coats, plastic crates) and starter pack (cash) for the participants to kick start the production of vegetables in their various communities.

The exercise focused on vegetables such as Amaranth, Celosia and Corchorus production. Furthermore, economics of production of the selected leafy vegetables, marketing, as well as record keeping were considered during the training.

The aim of the event was to build the capacity of these farmers on production of the selected leafy vegetables to encourage diversification into horticultural crops production, especially the production of vegetables which are short duration crops and serve as a viable means of income.

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The CEO/Executive Director of NIHORT, Professor Muhammed Lawal Attanda, represented by the Training Coordinator, Hort Consultancy Ventures Limited, Dr Joel Akindele Akinfasoye, stressed the economic importance of Amaranth, Celosia and Corchorus, as they are highly demanded by Nigerians and possess high nutritional, medicinal as well as industrial and commercial values. 

He also brought to the knowledge of the participants, the high prospect in production of the leafy vegetables, and noted that it is imperative to create awareness of the farmers on improved production techniques of these vegetables.

The Executive Director implored participants to pay critical attention to all the modules to be taught in order to make the best use of this golden opportunity.

Honourable Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, represented by Rev. Banji Williams appreciated the participants for making out time to attend the capacity-building programme, encouraged them to make good use of the knowledge gained to their economic and health benefit.

Two of the participants: Mrs Oseni Musidat and Mr Bakare John, expressed gladness in being part of the training and empowerment programme. Mr John observed that the selected areas of training, leafy vegetable production was timely, due to the fact that cassava which is a prominent crop among them is experiencing low pricing due to glut.