PTIC International Company Ltd., an NGO has called on farmers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to harp on organic farming for better yield and productivity during harvest.
The company Chief Executive Officer, Mr Jude Chukwuedo, who made the call during a two-day Agric workshop for farmers in Abaji Area Council, FCT said the benefits of organic farming were enormous.
He said the essence of the workshop was to sensitise the grassroots farmers to educate them on effects of using chemicals to grow their crops and the benefits of using organics instead of chemicals.
According to him, organic farming practices have attracted increased recognition over the years as a viable method of sustainable farming, adding that Nigeria was yet to develop its potential in terms of certified organic farming.
“Organic farming is not only economically beneficial to small-scale farmers, it also helps to conserve and improve the topsoil by reducing nutrient loss and erosion.
“Some organic farming practices include conservation tillage, crop rotation, reduction of chemical fertiliser, fungicides and pesticides, among others.
“My advice to farmers is to stop the use of chemicals in farming and key into organic farming like super-growth produced by newlife, this will enhance long-term sustainability of agricultural production,” he said.
However, he called on the Federal Government and other stakeholders in agriculture to promote the adoption of certified organic farming practices to help enhance food production in the country.
Mr Williams Tukura, who spoke on behalf of other farmers, said he would use the sensitisation training acquired from the workshop and properly go into organic farming for better yield and crop production.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highpoint of the workshop was the sensitisation of farmers on the effects of using chemicals on crops through a projector and the benefits of organic farming. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)