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NCAM canvasses localisation of agric technologies

By Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin
03 September 2018   |   3:48 am
The Executive Director of National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM) Ilorin, Dr Yomi Kasali has canvassed agricultural training, technological adaptation and knowledge sharing based on peculiar needs of geo-political zones of Nigeria for greater outputs and improved Gross Domestic Products (GDP). Kasali, while addressing participants at a course of training on N-Agripreneur in Milling and…

Mechanised farming

The Executive Director of National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM) Ilorin, Dr Yomi Kasali has canvassed agricultural training, technological adaptation and knowledge sharing based on peculiar needs of geo-political zones of Nigeria for greater outputs and improved Gross Domestic Products (GDP).

Kasali, while addressing participants at a course of training on N-Agripreneur in Milling and Threshing Enterprises on Wednesday at the NCAM, said agricultural needs of each geo-political zone should determine the agricultural machines to be made available in such area.

International Fund bankrolled the event for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the NCAM.

According to the NCAM boss, “it is time we commenced distribution of agricultural equipment, especially tools, according to the need of the people.

For instance, what are we doing with tuber related equipment where only grains are planted?

There should not be anything like equal distribution of tools, but distribution according to the needs of the people.

“At NCAM, one of our core mandates is designing and fabrication of agricultural equipment.

As we carry out this function, we are cognisance of the multifarious agricultural belts in the country and so design tools according to their needs and peculiarities.

We expect equitable distribution as well. It is of no use if designed equipment is kept where they are not needed.”
 
Kasali disclosed that the centre had trained personnel who could impart special skills in agric mechanisation and marketing, urging the 95 participants to return to their localities and disseminate the skills to others.
 
He expressed optimistism that if they became trainers in their communities as expected, post-harvest losses would be minimised.
 
Earlier, the representative of IFAD-CASP, Mr Bello Achem, described the training as “technically satisfactory,” urging the participants to spread the knowledge before they would forget.

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