Zamfara L/Govt Service Commission, GFGEL Organize three-day training workshop for agric officers

From Jamilu Isah Gusau 

The Zamfara State Local Government Service Commission in collaboration with Gadabo Farms and General Enterprises Limited, has organized a 3-day training workshop for 42 agricultural Extension Officers and Deputy Directors. The workshop focused on capacity building in harvest, post-harvest handling, and storage techniques in 14 local government areas in the state.

The Executive Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Aminu Aliyu Mafara,  was represented at the opening ceremony by the Permanent Commissioner II of the Commission, Alhaji Anas Iliyasy Birninsin, held at the multipurpose hall of the State Agricultural Development Project,   Samaru Area, Gusau, the state capital.

Declaring the workshop open, the Executive Chairman of the commission, Alhaji Aminu Aliyu Mafara stressed that the the workshop's theme, "Harvest, Post-Harvest, and Storage Techniques of Cereal, Bean, and Groundnut." was both timely and necessary. He noted that the 

workshop brought together a dedicated group of frontline professionals comprising Deputy Directors and Agricultural Extension Officers whose work is essential to the sustainability, productivity, and prosperity of the agricultural sector.

According to him, agriculture does not end at the point of harvest, "the journey of every grain, every bean, and every nut continues through critical stages of post-harvest handling, processing, and storage, he emphasised.

Alhaji Aminu Aliyu also said that it's during these stages that significant losses can occur not due to droughts or pests in the field, but because of gaps in knowledge, infrastructure, or technology. These losses affect not only farmers' incomes but also national food security and market competitiveness.

The Chairman further observed that,  "Over the next three days, we will explore best practices in harvesting techniques to reduce field losses".

Aminu explained that diving into effective post-harvest handling procedures that maintain quality and minimize contamination coupled with learning  modern cost-effective storage technologies can extend shelf life and preserve market value of farm products.

He urged the participants to strengthen their ability as change agents to take the knowledge back to the communities for implementation,  adding that the workshop was designed to be participatory, practical, and impactful. 

"I encourage each one of you to ask  questions, share your experiences, and contribute to the

collaborative learning process as an examination will be conducted after the training before issuing  certificate of attendance, adding that the knowledge gained will multiply in value as it is extended to the thousands of farmers who depend on guidance," the executive chairman stated.

He applauded the

Executive Governor of the State, Dauda Lawal (Gamjin Gusau), for his unwavering support, cooperation and encouragement given to the commission. He described the support as  instrumental to the achievements recorded by the commission.

 Speaking earlier, the Secretary of the Commission, Barr. Shafi'u Bukhari who was represented by the Director of Administration, Mukhtar Sani urged the participants to be  committed inimproving the livelihoods of farmers and advancing the agricultural potential of the state, adding that it is richly blessed with

fertile land and hardworking farmers who are engaged in different agricultural production.

He further said that a significant portion of what is produced is lost after harvest due to improper handling, lack of storage facilities, poor transportation, and limited access to modern preservation methods.

In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Gadabo Farms and General Enterprises Limited, Alhaji Aliyu Altine Shinkafi said that the Importance of the training in agriculture remains the backbone of the state economy, employing the majority of our rural population, adding that the efforts of hardworking farmers, a significant portion of the harvest is lost

annually due to poor harvesting practices, inadequate storage, and an inefficient handling and transport system.