FUNAAB Hosts Capacity-Building Workshop for Farmers on Innovative Rice Production

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), through its Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources, and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), recently held a one-day capacity-building workshop for rice farmers on innovative production techniques. The event, which took place on September 4, 2024, was funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and focused on boosting rice yields through ratoon technology.

Held at the Prof. T.O. Tayo Laboratory, the workshop attracted 18 rice farmers from various parts of Ogun State. Ratoon technology, the central theme of the training, allows farmers to harvest rice multiple times from the same crop, increasing productivity while reducing costs.

Prof. Sunday Adigbo, a research fellow at IFSERAR, led the training, demonstrating the technique on one of FUNAAB’s rice farms. He emphasized that farmers could achieve a second harvest nearly as abundant as the first, significantly enhancing yields and income. “This technique has the potential to revolutionize rice production in this region, improving both farm productivity and the livelihoods of farmers,” Prof. Adigbo stated.

Prof. Mutiu Busari, Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovations, and Partnerships (DRIP), urged the government to provide financial backing to farmers with promising projects. Meanwhile, Prof. Alaba Jolaosho, Director of IFSERAR, encouraged farmers to collaborate and showcase their progress to demonstrate the impact of their efforts on public perception.

The event highlighted FUNAAB's commitment to promoting advanced agricultural practices, reinforcing its role in enhancing national food security. Representatives from the Rice Farmers Association, including the Chairman of Ogun State chapter, Alhaji Adesina Arikanserere, were also in attendance.