By CrossRiverWatch Admin
Farmers who cultivate Irish potatoes are currently undergoing training to develop their capacity at a farmer’s business school (FBS) holding in Obudu.
The FBS is an initiative of the federal ministry of agriculture and rural development (FMARD) and the class holding at Obudu which began on May 3rd, will elapse on May 7th reports Agrobusinessngr.
The class is part of efforts to ensure food security, nutrition and to change the narrative from farming as a culture to farming as a business according to the director, federal department of agriculture in the FMARD, Karima Babangida.
“The purpose of this 5-day workshop is to bring together Irish potato farmers in a class of 30 each to build their capacity on simple farming business models and concept in order to increase their technical know-how on farming practices so they can earn more income from doing the same job,” Karima, represented by the state director of the ministry in Cross River, Iwara Edet said.
On changing the narrative, she averred that: “It is in the regards that Federal Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with German International Corporation (GIZ) has been a strong advocate for this paradigm shift in our agriculture.
“Further to the foregoing, it’s a known fact that Irish potato is a premium cash crop sort after by many here in the country and other West African countries.
“It is important to know that FBS is capable of starting a potato revolution here in Cross River especially in Obudu and other communities in the Northern states that have the potentials to grow potatoes during the dry season.
“In view of the above, it is important for all participants to make good use of this training to learn and adopt the new farming business innovations that would be handed over to them over the course of the 5-day workshop which covers 12 modules with different topics and practical through participatory approach.”
The program began began in the north central region of the country. And, according to Karima, it was already yielding results.
“Potato farmers in Plateau State who were the first to benefit from FBS have profited immensely from the adoption of these new farming business innovations, I have no doubt the same will be the outcome here after the workshop is over,” she said.
For the outcome of the class in Obudu, she hoped that; “Potato farmers in Obudu would have been equipped with the requisite skills and knowledge on farming as a business for increased productivity and income. The sixty participants would also be able to spread the knowledge on FBS to other farmers within the communities,” adding that; “It is expected that this 5- day workshop would avail all participants the opportunity to master the basic farming business models to grow their potato business.”