The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has begun the training of 70 staff of the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi in organic farming techniques to encourage agricultural productivity and self-reliance.
The exercise is being conducted through the fund Centre of Excellence for Integrated Farming System of the institute.
Organic farming is an agricultural system that relies on ecological processes and biodiversity instead of synthetic inputs like fertilisers, pesticides, among others.
It emphasised using natural inputs such as compost and green manure to build healthy soil, protect the environment, and ensure animal welfare. This holistic approach aims to create a sustainable system that benefits soil health, ecosystems and people.
Dr Abdullahi Muhammad, Director of the centre, said this at the inauguration of a five-day training exercise, on Tuesday in Bauchi.
He said the exercise aims to help the trainees cope with the current economic conditions and to become employers of labour.
Muhammad said it was also designed to expose the staff and farmers to the importance of organic farming in advanced agricultural production.
“Organic farming protect our environment and soil space against damage through the use of only high chemical farm inputs,” he said.
Muhammad charged the participants to pay closer attention to what would be taught, adding that plans were underway to expand the scope of the programme to mobilise participation in the North-East region.
The Rector, Sani Usman, highlighted the importance of organic farming skills to health, economy and environment.
Represented by his deputy, Dr Dalhatu Sa’idu, the rector said the centre was established to enhance training and research, to address food insecurity in the country
He advised farmers to embrace organic farming to stop relying on foreign chemical farm inputs, which could damage the agricultural sector.
The Rector commended the management of the centre for organising the exercise.
Also, Isiyaka Gital, Chairman, Bauchi State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture, pledged support to the programme.
While calling for the expansion of the programme, Gital urged the participants to cascade the skills acquired to the respective communities.
One of the participants, Abubakar Ibrahim, promised to leverage the skills to improve his farm activities and protect the environment.
