AFDB, Sasakawa Africa train rice farmers on improved yields, soil fertility

AN African Development Bank (AFDB) funded project, implemented by the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) in Nigeria and Benin Republic, has trained farmers in Nasarawa State on new technologies to improve rice production and maintain soil fertility.

The project, which is being implemented under AFDB’S Policy and Human Resource Development Grant (PHRDG 1), becomes imperative due to the impact of climate change on food production.

Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) is an international non-profit organisation.

Godwin Atser, the Country Director, (SAA), said during the Field Days training exercise for farmers in Lafia and Doma Local Government Areas of the State.

Atser explained that the project was designed to expose farmers to new technologies and best agronomic practices in rice production that would increase their yield and also maintain the soil health, thereby preserving its nutrients sustainably for a very long period of time.

He noted that climate change had made it a bit difficult for farmers to predict rain pattern, which impacts negatively on their production.

“What we are doing with the project is to showcase to farmers how they can have good yield from their rice farms and secondly, how to improve the soil nutrients and sustain it beyond their generation.

“If we are not careful, a time will come when the soil will lose its fertility, so we need to see how we can maintain the soil fertility,” he said.

He said that the technology and best agronomic practices, if adequately maintained, would help farmers to minimize input in the farm, maximise profit and as well reduce impact of climate change.