By: Damilola Akindele

With the growing concern over climate change both nationally and globally, the Ogun State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme has continued to train farmers on the use of weather and climate information services, an initiative designed to help farmers and agro-processors mitigate climate-related risks and improve decision-making through access to accurate data.

The Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, made this known during a one-day training programme at Ibara, Abeokuta where he explained that the training was targeted on equipping farmers’ organisations with real-time information on weather forecasts, seasonal climate predictions and tailored advisory services.

Represented by the State Project Coordinator, Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye, the Commissioner stated that the training would provide farmers with access to weather insights, good agronomic practices and market intelligence, stating further that it would help build farmers’ capacity to adopt climate-smart techniques such as efficient water management, the use of raised beds to control excess water, and other adaptive measures that ensure favorable growing conditions.

Hon. Owotomo, reiterated the commitment of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Administration to ensuring that farmers were equipped not only with physical tools and materials but also with critical information needed to make informed decisions in the face of climate change.

He further noted that the training would enable farmers to plan their farming operations effectively, including the right timing for planting, fertilizer application and the use of herbicides and insecticides.

Also speaking at the training, Prof. John Oyedepo, of the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, demonstrated farmers on how to access and utilize weather and climate-smart information for improved farm management and how to develop strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on agricultural productivity.

Similarly, Mr. Abayomi Oyewole, from the Ogun State Meteorological Services (NiMET) emphasised that adequate climate advisory information would help to reduce post-harvest losses and increase productivity.

Expressing appreciation to the government for its continued support to the agricultural sector, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Olusola Popoola, who spoke on behalf of others, said the training would be put to good use in planning farm operations more effectively, thus, reducing post-harvest losses caused by the adverse effects of climate change.

The SAPZ programme marked a significant step towards empowering farmers in promoting sustainable agricultural practices across the State.