BY SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
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In its bid to enhance agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods of farmers, the Enugu Fadama Platform, under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme, has organized a training workshop for farmers on the effective utilization and maintenance of power tiller machines.
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The 3-day training held at six various locations for 408 farmers from 51 Farmers Community Associations (FCAs), drawn from the 17 LGAs was organized to equip the farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge to optimize the use of power tiller machines distributed to them by the Enugu State Government.
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The Head Technical Services, Enugu Fadama, Engr. Godson Onugwu heartily welcomed the participants and explained that the training was crucial for the farmers, as it will enable them to increase their productivity, reduce labour costs, and enhance their overall livelihoods.
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Onugwu affirmed the State Government commitment to supporting farmers in Enugu State, saying that the workshop demonstrates its dedication to empowering them with modern farming techniques.
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He commended the efforts of the state government under leadership of Dr. Peter Mbah in empowering farmers with mechanized system of agriculture, saying that such gesture is a step in the right direction.
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Onugwu enjoined the participants to take the training seriously in order to maximise the positive impact towards agricultural productivity and food security.
“The training covered topics such as:
– Power tiller machine operation and safety precautions
– Maintenance and troubleshooting techniques
– Soil preparation and planting methods
– Best practices for machine repair and maintenance”, he said.
One of the participants
who spoke on-behalf of the farmers, Mr Benson Ude from Amoli Farmers Community Association (FCAs) in Awgu LGA, appreciated the state government and Fadama team for organizing the training.
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He described the training as an eye-opener and life changing experience.
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“I never knew how to properly maintain a power tiller machine until this training. Now, I can confidently operate and repair it, which will significantly improve my farm’s productivity, it’s been very informative and practical”, he added.
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This reporter observed that the training culminated in a field test-run, where participants had the opportunity to operate the power tiller machines and experience their practical application.
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