By Albert Futukpor
Tamale, Nov 21, GNA – The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture has trained Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs) in the Savannah ReFAO trains Agricultural Extension Agents on post-harvest management gion on post-harvest management.
It was to impart them with knowledge and skills to reduce post-harvest food loss and management and promote sustainable agricultural practices to boost food security and enhance resilience of smallholder farmers in six districts in the northern parts of the country.
The districts, described as food insecure, are Kassena Nankana West and Bongo in the Upper East Region, Bunkpurugu-Nakpanduri in the North East Region, and North Gonja, Norh East Gonja and Central Gonja in the Savannah Region.
Mr Abeshaw Gebru, Emergency and Rehabilitation Officer at FAO Regional Office for Africa, speaking during the training in Tamale, said it was to enhance food production and build resilient agrifood systems.
He said the six districts had been supported to increase maize, millet, sorghum, soybean, groundnut, and vegetables (tomato) production, as well as poultry, piggery, and animals’ health support.”
He said, “In early 2024, maize seeds, sorghum foundation seeds, millet foundation seeds, NPK and fertilizers were distributed to 12,600 smallholder farmers to support the 2024 planting season.”
Dr Issah Sugri, Post-harvest Technologist at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, who was the facilitator for the training, said it would help build the knowledge and the capacity of the AEAs to educate farmers and traders they worked with.
Mrs Naomi Zaato, North East Gonja District Director of Agriculture lauded the training, saying it would help to reduce post-harvest losses and improve the income level of farmers.
GNA