The Principal Researcher and Head of Research Station, NCRI Outstation, Bacita, Kwara state, A.Y, Mumeen has called for sustainable cropping systems to address Dwindling crop productivity in Kwara State
He made this call on Wednesday Monthly Technology Review Meeting( MTRM) held by the Kwara state Agricultural Development Program( Kw ADP)
In a press statement made available to Just Event Online TV by the expert, A Y Mumeen
Earlier today, I served as the resource person at the Monthly Technology Review Meeting( MTRM) held by the Kwara state Agricultural Development Program( Kw ADP).
This is however, in line with my responsibility as the state co-ordinator in charge of Research Extension Farmers’ Input Linkage System ( REFILS) activities for the Kw ADP. The meeting had in attendance management and staff of Kw ADP, all zonal extension agents, zonal managers and extension agents from all zones of the state.
The technical session for today’s MTRM was themed: Sustainable Cropping System; As a Measure Against Dwindling Crop Productivity. During the session, I made case for the need for all agric extension practitioners and stakeholders within the cropping value chain to be deliberate in technically addressing the scientific components of factors limiting crop productivity which is gradually shifting cultivation in the state from food crops to cash crops and thereby joining other factors to broaden the food inflation trajectory in the state. Doing this, I relied on several data and evidence based report from research institutes like ours (The National Cereals Research Institute-NCRI) and international development partners such as FAO, JICA and others.
In addressing some of these challenges and in line with the thematic framework of the meeting, I exposed the participants to two Japanese technologies (Hot Water Seed Treatment Technology and Bokashi Fertilizer Technology) as well as; Data Driven Crop Rotation Technology, in order to addressing identified challenges of seed borne diseases, high cost of regular fertilizers and cropping injury, all of which, were found to be technical factors contributing to the dwindling crop productivity.
It gives me great joy that, the participants demonstrated clear understanding of the concept and the technologies introduced to them. They also, assured me of their readiness to take these technologies to their respective zones for effective stepping down to farmers. The anticipated adoption of these technologies on the field by the farmers will no doubt substantially contribute to arresting the current food inflation trajectory, through increased cropping productivity in the state
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