The Abia State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, has emphasized the critical role of capacity building in boosting agricultural production, enhancing food security, and ensuring sustainability in the state.
Speaking in Umuahia while declaring open a one-day capacity training for Agricultural Extension Agents on Climate-Smart Agriculture, organized by the Abia Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Dr. Agbaeze said such initiatives are essential to improving productivity and strengthening the agricultural value chain.
He noted that the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti is anchored on continuous training and retraining of the workforce to promote efficiency across all sectors of the state’s economy.
“I am pleased that the ADP is aligning with this vision. I urge all Extension Agents here to transfer the knowledge and skills acquired today to farmers in rural areas,” the Commissioner said.
Earlier, the Programme Manager of Abia ADP, Mr. Okoro Nleanya, explained that the training was designed to equip Extension Agents with the tools to help farmers adapt to the effects of climate change and boost productivity.
“We recognize the critical role extension agents play in bridging the gap between research and practice. I am confident this training will enhance their capacity to offer timely and effective support to farmers,” Nleanya stated.
He highlighted the impact of climate on crop yield, pest and disease prevalence, as well as on the quality, processing, storage, and preservation of agricultural produce. He thanked Governor Otti for strengthening the agricultural sector and providing the enabling environment for ADP to deliver on its mandate.
Speaking with National Ambassador correspondent shortly after the training, the Director of Agricultural Extension Services, Rev. Udensi Johnson, described the training as “timely and appropriate,” stressing that extension agents are the primary link between government research efforts and farmers at the grassroots. He, however, called for the recruitment of more agents to reach rural farmers effectively.
Rev. Udensi Johnson.
Extension Agents from Aba and Ohafia zones, Mrs. Doris Otti and Rev. Onu Kalu Idika, both described the programme as impactful, noting that while climate change is inevitable, the right knowledge will help them guide farmers towards improved food security, sufficiency, and sustainability.
