The Enugu Fadama Platform, under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) program, organized a three-day training workshop to enhance agricultural productivity and improve farmers’ livelihoods. The program, aimed at equipping farmers with the skills to effectively use and maintain power tiller machines, was held in six locations across Enugu State. A total of 408 farmers, representing 51 Farmers Community Associations (FCAs) from all 17 local government areas, participated in the training.
Godson Onugwu, Head of Technical Services for Enugu Fadama, highlighted the state government’s commitment to modernizing agriculture and supporting farmers through mechanized techniques. He explained that the adoption of power tillers would significantly reduce labor costs, increase productivity, and improve food security. Onugwu also commended Governor Peter Mbah’s administration for its proactive measures to empower farmers with modern agricultural tools.
The workshop provided participants with practical knowledge on the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of power tiller machines. Key topics included safety precautions during use, soil preparation techniques, planting methods, and best practices for machine repair and upkeep. Farmers were encouraged to apply these techniques to maximize their productivity and ensure the sustainability of their farming operations.
Farmers expressed gratitude for the training, with Benson Ude of Amoli FCA describing it as transformative. “This workshop has equipped me with the knowledge to confidently operate and maintain power tillers, which will greatly improve my farm’s efficiency and yield,” he said. His sentiments reflected the positive impact the program had on the participants, many of whom noted the practical relevance of the skills gained.
The training concluded with a hands-on session where participants operated the power tillers in a field demonstration. This practical application reinforced the lessons taught during the workshop, ensuring that farmers could independently use the machines effectively. The initiative is a crucial step in Enugu’s efforts to modernize agriculture, empower rural communities, and achieve food security.
