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 organised a training workshop for farmers on the effective utilisation and maintenance of power tiller machines.
The three-day training, held at six various locations for 408 farmers from 51 Farmers Community Associations (FCAs), drawn from the 17 local government areas was organised 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.
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 increase their productivity, reduce labour costs, and enhance their overall livelihoods.
Engr Onugwu affirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting farmers in Enugu state, saying that the workshop demonstrated government’s dedication to empowering them with modern farming techniques.
He commended the efforts of the Enugu state government under leadership, Dr. Peter Mbahm in empowering farmers with mechanized system of agriculture, saying that such gesture was a step in the right direction.
He enjoined the participants to take the training serious 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
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 organising the training, describing it as an eye-opener and life changing experience.
He said “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.”
The training culminated in a field test-run, where participants had the opportunity to operate the power tiller machines and experience their practical application.