By Salawu Nneka Patience
In a renewed effort to promote sustainable agricultural practices and improve food production, Kogi State Ministry of Agriculture through BUMA Resources Nigeria Limited has organized a sensitization workshop for agricultural extension workers on the effective use and application of organic fertilizer.
The workshop, which brought together extension personnel from across the state, was designed to enhance their technical knowledge and equip them with practical skills required to educate farmers on the benefits of organic fertilizer in improving soil fertility, increasing crop yields, and promoting environmentally friendly farming practices.
Declaring the workshop open, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, described extension workers as critical partners in the state’s drive to achieve food sufficiency and agricultural transformation. He said the government remains committed to supporting initiatives that improve farmers’ access to modern and sustainable farming technologies.
According to the Commissioner, the training was timely, considering the increasing need to restore soil health, improve productivity, and reduce the adverse effects associated with excessive reliance on inorganic fertilizers. He urged participants to pay close attention to the training and ensure that the knowledge gained is effectively transferred to farmers at the grassroots.
The technical session was facilitated by the representative of BUMA Resources Nigeria Limited, Mr. Bello Zubairu, who delivered an extensive presentation on GEO Organic Fertilizer. He introduced participants to the product, explaining its composition, available package sizes, nutrient content, and the advantages it offers over conventional fertilizers.
Mr. Zubairu further demonstrated the recommended methods of application, appropriate timing for different crops, and the correct application rate per hectare to achieve optimum results. He also explained how the fertilizer performs under varying climatic conditions, including periods of heavy rainfall and flooding, while emphasizing its ability to improve soil structure, enhance nutrient retention, and increase crop yields when properly applied.
He noted that the adoption of organic fertilizer would not only boost agricultural productivity but also contribute to environmental conservation by improving soil biodiversity and reducing chemical degradation.
The workshop featured an interactive session during which extension workers actively participated by asking questions, sharing field experiences, and making useful contributions on the challenges farmers encounter in adopting improved farming technologies. Participants also discussed practical strategies for encouraging farmers to embrace organic fertilizer as a sustainable alternative for increased productivity and improved livelihoods.
The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Prince Raji Musa, commended BUMA Resources Nigeria Limited and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for organizing the sensitization workshop, describing it as a timely initiative that would enhance the capacity of extension workers and improve agricultural productivity.
He called for stronger collaboration among the government, private sector, and farmers’ associations to ensure that quality agricultural inputs and extension services reach farmers at the grassroots. According to him, such partnerships are essential for boosting food production, improving farmers’ livelihoods, and achieving sustainable food security across the state.
In his closing remarks, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Abraham Ahmed, commended BUMA Resources Nigeria Limited for partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to build the capacity of extension personnel. He described the workshop as a significant step toward strengthening extension services and ensuring that farmers receive accurate and timely information on modern agricultural practices.
Mr. Ahmed urged participants to serve as effective ambassadors of the knowledge acquired by disseminating the information to farmers in their respective communities. He expressed optimism that the training would translate into increased adoption of organic fertilizer, improved crop yields, enhanced food security, and greater economic benefits for farming households across the state.
The workshop concluded with participants expressing appreciation to the organizers for the practical and informative sessions, while reaffirming their commitment to supporting government efforts aimed at transforming the agricultural sector through sustainable and climate-smart farming practices.
