A former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning in Abia State ,Dr Philips Nto has advocated the utilisation of research findings in agriculture to assist farmers improve their yields.
He said the Abia State Government could leverage on the presence of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike and the National Root Crops Research Institute, both located in the state to help farmers in the area of improved seedlings and modern methods of farming for increased food production .
Dr Nto, who is a lecturer at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike spoke when some farmers visited him at his country home,Ututu to solicit assistance in their farming activities.
The academic who is an expert in agribusiness said both institutions in Abia State have a lot to offer farmers in the state in terms of technical advice and supply of improved seedlings.
He advised the state government to liaise and collaborate with the institutions in the areas of training its personnel who in turn would move to the 17 local government areas to sensitise farmers on modern techniques of farming.
” For the coming 2024 farming season, I advise the state government to work with MOUAU and National Root Crop Institute to explore ways of assisting farmers in the rural areas exit this drudgery of farming for nothing. It should get them high yielding seedings, teach them improved techniques and offer other assistance that will enable them benefit from their toils”, he said.
Dr Nto who is the immediate past Provost of Abia State College of Education, Technical, Arochukwu assured the visiting farmers that the current administration in the state is highly interested in increased food production and would therefore assist them in their activities.
He urged them to form cooperative societies to make it easier for them to access government ‘s initiatives for Abia farmers.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mazi Omocho Ikeogu explained that they undertook the visit to plead with Dr Philips Nto to help them reach the government for assistance.
According to him, as one of the illustrious sons of Ututu, Dr Philips Nto has been at the forefront of intervening for them in critical needs, hence the current appeal.