By Blessing Bature


The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) has cautioned farmers against the excessive use of chemicals on farm products.

Speaking, Prof. Toba Anjorin, Director of servicom University of Abuja who is the consultant of the Integrate pest Management while acknowledging the importance of chemical pesticides and fertilizers in modern agriculture, he emphasized the need for farmers to use these chemicals judiciously and in accordance with recommended guidelines.

Anjorin disclosed this on Wednesday in Gwagwalada during the training session of farmers on integrated pest management, saying excessive use of chemicals on farm products can pose significant risks to consumers, including exposure to toxic residues, and can also harm the environment through soil and water pollution.

He advised farmers to adopt integrated pest management (IPM) practices that combine physical, cultural, biological, and chemical controls to minimize the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers.

"By using chemicals responsibly and adopting sustainable agricultural practices, farmers can improve the quality and safety of their produce, reduce environmental pollution, and promote sustainable agriculture".

The Ruler Institutions Development Secretariat Officer, FCT-SAPZ, Muhsin Gambo Lawal emphasized the need for farmers to shift from traditional pest control methods to more sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches. IPM techniques, such as crop rotation, biological control, and cultural controls, were highlighted as effective ways to manage pests without harming the environment.

He explained that the project aims to support smallholder farmers within host communities by establishing Agricultural Transformation Centres and Agricultural Industrial Hubs. To ensure the success of these centers and hubs, we need to build the capacity of smallholder farmers to enhance their productivity.

"As part of our intervention, we are providing training on integrated pest management (IPM) to smallholder farmers. The goal of IPM is to minimize inputs and maximize outputs, reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides and fertilizers".

According to him, farmers often spend excessive amounts on inputs, including pesticides, which can be toxic to crops, the environment, and human health. IPM training teaches farmers alternative techniques, such as cultural, mechanical, biological, and sanitation methods, to reduce costs and contamination.

"We have conducted IPM training sessions in Karish and Payko, with positive responses from farmers. A total of 242 farmers have been trained, and we plan to extend the project to other states in the future. Our approach includes building the capacity of extension service providers and facilitators to ensure sustainability and scalability.

"We have trained 121 farmers in Karsh and another 121 in Paiko Gwagwalada reserves, covering 16 host communities. Our training programs are designed to equip smallholder farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to improve their productivity and contribute to the success of the Agricultural Transformation Centres and Agricultural Industrial Hubs," he said.

In the same vain, The Agric Productivity Officer, APO SAPZ, Haruna Maisamari Umar said, the main focus of their training program is Integrated Pest Management emphasis on IPM is driven by the need to educate farmers on the risks of excessive chemical use in their farming practices.

Umar explained, "We are training our farmers to avoid excessive use of chemicals and instead adopt cultural controls and other sustainable methods".

The training program has already shown promising results, with 222 participants from 7 communities successfully completing the training and that yesterday another two hundred and twenty two farmers were trained, saying these participants will now serve as representatives, sharing their knowledge with other farmers in their respective communities.

"By promoting IPM practices, the program aims to reduce the environmental and health impacts of chemical use, while also improving crop yields and promoting sustainable agriculture".

One of the participants, Stephen Eunice from Dobi said she she now know how to effectively manage and control crops and animals. "I'm excited to go back to my farm and replicate what I've learned here. This knowledge will definitely improve my farming practices and increase my yields."

Another participants, Zakari Baba said the training program on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has empowered him and other farmers with the knowledge and skills to manage their farm.

Food revolution is coming to Nigeria.