YAM EXPORTATION: Farmers To Undergo Agronomic Training

Arrangements have been concluded to train farmers in best agronomic practices in yam farming. The Technical Committee on Nigeria Yam Export Programme, Prof. Simon Irtwange, announced this in Abuja while interacting with newsmen.
Professor Irtwange noted that the training was necessary to equip the farmers with best practices that would attract international patronage and also sensitize them on the use of pesticides as well as other requirements for the produce.

According to Professor Irtwange, the committee is collaborate with the Yam Farmers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria to carry out the training, while the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is to provide improved yam seedlings to the farmers.

The Federal Government had in February inaugurated the Committee to sensitize farmers and exporters on required international standards of yam before exportation. Also the Federal Government is not relenting on its commitment to commence exportation of about seventy-four tonnes of yam to Europe and United States of America by the end of this month.

NAN [NONSO KALU]