FG, Institute train 87 Gum Arabic farmers in Yobe
By Njadvara MUSA, Damaturu
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in partnership with the Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN) trains 87 Gum Arabic farmers in Yobe state.
The two-day workshop was to increase the capacity building of farmers create jobs and improve their means of livelihood.
Declaring the training open on Thursday at the Gum Arabic Substation, Tajuwa, Garin Alkali in Bursari local council, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, represented by Dr Ernest Umakhihe disclosed: “The Gum Arabic based-farming system training, was to create jobs and improve on the livelihoods of farmers.”
“We decided to organize the training of Gum Arabic farmers to enhance their capacity in various techniques of production and management,” he said.
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According to him, the techniques are the best methods of intercropping Gum Arabic with other crops in the state.
He added that if the intercropping; was properly managed by the farmers, it will raise their yields and incomes.
“The intercropping of Gam Arabic trees have a long gestation period,” he said, as well as reducing the payback period of investments.
The Executive Director, Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN), Benin, Edo state, represented by the Head of Gum Arabic Substation, Dr Fred Ojiekpon, practically demonstrated the best ways to handle Gum Arabic farming efficient production and management of the crop plantations.
He explained in clear terms with a PowerPoint the modules on Gum Arabic species, varieties, identification, Agroforestry techniques and how to harvest the crop
While responding to the training, some of the farmers said: “Our training has enhanced the knowledge to increase farmers’ capacity on the production of Gum Arabic for-profit and livelihoods.
The Gum Arabic Substation was established in 1995 by the Federal Government to promote research in the crop and explore its value chain in the country.
