The Programme Manager of the Anambra Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Mr. Godwin Akujieze, has advised farmers to take advantage of agricultural extension services to boost productivity and enhance food security.
Akujieze gave the advice on Friday during an interactive session with journalists in Awka.
He said the core responsibility of ADP is to provide farmers with technical support and guidance on improved agricultural practices, including the selection of suitable crop varieties.
“The agency always recommends improved cassava varieties such as TME 419, TME 0505, and TME 0581, which are yellow-fleshed and fortified with Vitamin A to improve nutrition,” he said.
He also identified Hybrid 2 and Hybrid 6 as high-yielding maize varieties suitable for the current farming season.
Akujieze said extension service agents have been deployed across the 21 local government areas of the state, particularly in riverine communities, to offer timely technical assistance to farmers.
“Each extension agent is expected to work with at least 80 contact farmers. I appeal to our farmers to consult these officers regularly to maximise their yields,” he said.
Akujieze expressed delight at the growing preference for organic fertilisers such as poultry droppings and compost manure over inorganic alternatives.
He noted that the shift is driven by the environmental sustainability and health benefits associated with organic fertilisers.
However, he expressed concern over the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilisers, saying their improper application has been linked to various health challenges.
The ADP boss assured farmers that the recommended cassava and maize varieties would soon be made available for cultivation.
Akujieze reiterated ADP’s commitment to supporting farmers with improved technologies and extension services for better harvests.
