TOPAN: Key Into New Technology, Dr. NURA Tells Farmers.
By Genesis Ogiri, Abuja
The conference, aimed at addressing the critical challenges and opportunities within the sector, is poised to initiate a new era of productivity and sustainability in tomato production across the nation.
Friday NEWSWAY Media reports that TOPAN, are committed to elevating the standards of tomatoes and orchard farming across Nigeria. The mission is to empower producers, foster innovation, and ensure sustainable practices that benefit both farmers and consumers. It mandate transcends fields and orchards; it's about empowering communities and fostering a sustainable future through tomatoes and horticulture production.
Dr. Nura Hashimu, state coordinator, Niger state TOPAN Lauded the unwaivering commitment of it's members at this year conference, promised to deseminate the information and knowledge acquired from the conference to the team of his farmers.
He charged the participants to key into the technology and the new civilization of production. He charged them on the continue diffusion of knowledge for maximum output.
Amb. Dr. Nura Hashimu , has called on Nigerian to join on this transformative journey, where advocacy meets action, research shapes progress, and collaboration sparks innovation.
Dr.Nura commended the effort of federal government for the early commencement of the distribution of fertilizer to farmers through the federal ministry of agriculture. He said 2.5 million bags of fertilizer has been distributed by central Bank of Nigeria to the ministry of agriculture, this will help the farmers for better results.
He also lamented the incessant killing of farmers and destruction of their farmlands. said this was threatening food security in the country. According to him, “most farmers had abandoned their farms over fear of being killed or kidnapped while the kidnappers and bandits have taken over the farms and security operatives are helpless.
Nura said the farmers cannot access their farms to harvest their farm produce despite the fact that the produce are due for harvest, adding that the bandits have harvested some of the farm products, while they also pay ransom for their freedom.
He alleged that some of the hoodlums who are Fulani herdsmen are now in control of their farms. He charged Nigeria government to intervene as matter of urgency as the Farmers preparing for this rainy season.
"He said Nigeria is ranked the second largest producer of tomato in Africa and 13th in the world with total production estimate at I million hectares of land producing 1.701 million Tonnes per annum with average of 20-30 tons/hectare.
"He maintained that Tomato is no doubt one of the world's highly consumed vegetables as it is found in a lot of meals across the globe. In Nigeria, particularly with a population of over 160 million, tomatoes command a huge demand especially in the urban areas where it is sought after by households to prepare their favourite meals.
"He advised that Cultivation can be done in gardens, pots, open field, containers, greenhouses etc. The average harvesting period after planting is 60 days to more than 80 days depending on the variety. Tomato farming was mostly practiced in the northern part of Nigeria before. But now people can cultivate it in the southern parts too.
"He further point out that, One potential solution to the distribution of tomatoes in Nigeria is the implementation of a more efficient and organized transportation system. Currently, the lack of proper infrastructure and logistics contributes to post-harvest losses and a decrease in quality during transportation.
"Investing in improved road networks, cold storage facilities, and refrigerated trucks can help to reduce spoilage and increase the shelf life of tomatoes. Additionally, establishing centralized marketplaces and storage warehouses can facilitate better inventory management and distribution planning.
"Another solution is to promote and support small-scale farmers in adopting modern farming techniques and technologies. This includes providing training programs on proper crop management, disease prevention, and post-harvest handling practices. Through education and access to resources, farmers can improve their yields and maintain the quality of.
