The Eniosa-Irepodun Farmers and CICS marked their fourth anniversary with a significant milestone: launching a 15 million naira building fund. The event took place recently at IDC Primary School in Eniosa, Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State in Nigeria, and was graced by representatives of IITA-PROSSIVA, who provided valuable insights and training on the latest yam planting techniques and benefits of new yam varieties.
The celebration highlighted the community’s commitment to agricultural development and collaboration. IITA-PROSSIVA representatives showcased the ASIEDU and KPAMYO yam varieties, emphasizing their high yield and delicious flavor. One farmer, who had previously tested these seeds, praised their superior quality and productivity.
The General Secretary of Eniosa-Irepodun Farmers and CICS, Asimiu Olosupo, thanked IITA-PROSSIVA for their continuous support and for introducing the farmers to new agricultural technologies. He proudly announced that the association had received its CAC certificate and financial contribution cards, enhancing its credibility and access to resources.
Olosupo also appealed to the government for credit and loans to boost their agricultural activities. In response, the Director of Agriculture for Lagelu West Local Government reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting farmers. He encouraged the association to join the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) to access various loans and programs designed to aid farmers.
Morufat Balogun, the IITA-PROSSIVA yam component lead, speaking through the extension specialist, Idris Badiru, underscored the benefits of the new yam seeds, noting that they were being offered to farmers at a 50% discount per kilogram as part of the contribution of IITA-PROSSIVA’s contributions to the event. She highlighted this as a significant opportunity for the farmers to enhance their productivity.
She also urged the association to attract more women and young people to agriculture. This, she emphasized, is crucial for sustaining agricultural advancements and ensuring the future of farming in the community.
Lasisi, a field supervisor from IITA, detailed the innovative methods used to produce these yam seeds. He explained that the seeds are initially grown using hydroponics or aeroponics in the nursery for four weeks before being transferred to the field or screen house. This technique ensures robust and healthy plants, leading to better harvests.
Lasisi provided practical advice on yam seed preparation, advising farmers on the correct ridge size and cutting yam seeds into pieces. He explained that after six months, these seeds could be harvested not for consumption but for further seed production. Repeating this process three times would yield satisfactory seeds.
Other program highlights included a focus group discussion with selected association members, led by Badiru, and a question and answer session. The discussions revealed the willingness of the members of the association to partner with IITA as outgrowers in seed yam production.
The Eniosa-Irepodun Farmers and CICS’ anniversary celebration marked a significant financial milestone and showcased the power of collaboration and innovation in agriculture. The knowledge and resources shared at the event are set to propel the community toward greater agricultural success and sustainability.
Contributed by Victoria Idowu
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