Hundreds of farmers and traders in the South-East geopolitical zone have undergone a one day sensitization workshop on safe use of chemicals in farming to guarantee food security.
The workshop which was organized by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in collaboration with National Association of Nigerian Traders, took place at the Agricultural Development Programme office complex in Awka.
While addressing the gathering the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Umah Ahmed, represented by Dr Ngozi Odunze, urged traders to desist from using pesticides like sniper for preservation of food they sell in Markets, warning that any one caught will be punished accordingly.
On his part, the State Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Benedith Ndibe, enlightened the farmers and traders on good agricultural practices to ensure food security.
In her remarks, the Director of Extension service, Anambra State Agricultural Development Programme, Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka noted that the event will turn around the mindset of farmers, traders and processors across all the agricultural value chain to ensure that good agricultural practices are harnessed to guarantee safety of farm produce.
Speaking unbehalf of the traders, the President, National Association of Nigerian Traders, Anambra State Chapter, Mrs Patience Onwuka described the workshop as apt, adding that the association will move to Markets across the State with the aim to fish out traders who use dangerous chemicals to run their businesses and take decisive action against them.
She urged the State Government to check collection of illegal levies from Market women by fake revenue collectors, even as she appealed to government to provide crèche in every market for Nursing Mothers.
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