ATASP-1 Farmers, Facilitators Wraps Up Training on Soil Conservation in Awka

By Obinna Onuorah

Farmers and extension agents under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase One (ATASP-1 in Adani-Omor Zone have wrapped up trainers workshop on Soil and Water Conservation and Erosion Control Management organized.

The training held at the Zonal Headquarters, Awka, Anambra State was also attended by management and support staff of the program.

The two-day training was anchored by Dr. Martin Anikwe, a Professor of Soil Science from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).

Dr. Anikwe during the training workshop taught participants Principles of Soil Conservation, including different soil conservation techniques and best practices to minimize soil erosion.

He equally made a presentation on “Integrated Water Management in Agriculture”, exploring the efficient use of water resources in farming, including irrigation methods and water conservation strategies.
Participants were equally educated on Erosion Control Measures for Sustainable Agriculture”.

While broaching this subject, Anikwe highlighted various erosion control methods and their application in farmers’ fields to maintain soil fertility and productivity.

Participants were equally taught smart ways of Implementing Sustainable Farming Practices”. Also highlighted were the how and why of adopting sustainable agriculture practices, such as crop rotation, agroforestry, and cover crops, to prevent erosion and maintain soil health.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Zonal Program Coordinator, Dr Romanus Egba explained the rationale of inviting lead farmers and extension agents for the training at the start of the year.

According to him, the timing and choice of participants was to ensure that knowledge gained were not only put into practical use during the dry season farming but also extended to other farmers in their localities.

ATASP-1 National TA Outreach, Dr Ugochukwu Nnanna, who represented the National Program Coordinator, Dr Ibrahim Arabi, urged the participants to take the training serious and to ensure that they put the knowledge into good use.