IFAD-VCDP Holds Harvest, Post Harvest Training For Anambra Farmers

Farmers have been urged to always acquire secured
storage facility devoid of high humidity, rat holes or rodent infested environment before embarking on harvesting to maintain the quality of produce and minimize losses.

The advice was during a one-day harvest and post harvest training organised by the state coordination office of FG and IFAD VCDP for its farmers across the eight participating council areas of the state.

The training for Ihiala and Ogbaru farmers took place at the FG/IFAD VCDP demo farm at Agbo-Igbe farm land in Abo-Atani, Ogbaru Local Government Area.

On arrival at the farm that was submerged by flood, it was observed that the flood has receded and the farmers were there discussing the high yield despite the effects of the flood.

Explaining to the farmers the reasons behind the result, the lead farmer and owner of the half hectare demo rice farm, Mr Livinus Nwedu, told them that the secret remains total compliance with the best agronomic practices the FG/IFAD VCDP taught them in rice farming starting with nursery, transplanting with right spacing and right application of the approved fertilizers at the right time.

Mr. Nwedu, who expressed desire to be part of the dry season farming to replicate same, appealed for improved seedlings, water pumping machines, power tillers and solution to birds damage In his reaction, the State Agric Production Officers, FG/IFAD VCDP, Mr. Emmanuel Chukwukwelu, while telling them to get prepared for this year’s dry season farming, assured the provision of all their requirements as according to him, this will be their first time adding that it will favour them the more.

Contributing, the state Agro Technician, FG/IFAD VCDP, Mr. Ifeanyi Okoye, who described harvest and post harvest as one of the most important aspects of their farming business, stressed that the major ripping indicator is when the grains are golden brown. UP A service provider for extension services, Elder Ernest Nwogu, said the training was aimed at bequeathing to farmers the best agronomic practices in rice farm stating that panicle harvesting is the best way to harvest rice.

He warned that if the best practices were not followed, the farmers after putting in their best, money and time, will record low yield which according to him, will translate into low income and finally affect their standard of living.

On their parts, an agronomist, Dr Paul Nwadukwe and the assistant Agric Production officer, FG/IFAD VCDP, Mr. Joseph Okonkwor, urged them to embrace the false bottom pot technology in per-boiling their rice for better quality.