By Blessing Enagu
The Cross River State Government, in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, has commenced a statewide Train-the-Trainer workshop aimed at equipping farmers, agricultural officers, and extension workers with modern seed yam production techniques.
The programme, which kicked off in Calabar Municipal for participants from the Southern Senatorial District, is designed to build capacity in improved seed yam production while enabling trainees to transfer the acquired knowledge to farmers within their communities.
The two-day training, held on April 20 and 21, featured hands-on technical sessions and field demonstrations, including land preparation using government-provided mini tractors and the planting of yam minisetts.
Facilitated by IITA experts in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development, the training focused on innovative seed yam technologies, particularly the yam minisett technique, which allows farmers to multiply planting materials efficiently by cutting tubers into smaller treated portions.
Participants were also exposed to best agronomic practices such as proper land preparation, spacing, mulching, weed control, soil fertility management, and the use of improved, disease-free varieties, as well as effective storage methods to ensure the production of quality and affordable seed yams.
Declaring the workshop open, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Joseph Odey Ikongha, described the initiative as a strategic intervention to strengthen the state’s agricultural sector and enhance productivity. He noted that the programme aligns with the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu in advancing food security and rural development.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Adviser on Agriculture, Prof. John Shiyam, disclosed that the state aims to increase yam yield from the current average of 10 metric tonnes per hectare to 30 metric tonnes per hectare by 2027 through the adoption of improved technologies such as tissue culture, semi-autotrophic hydroponics, vine cutting, and minisett multiplication.
According to him, these innovations are expected to significantly reduce the cost of seed yam production, improve farmers’ profitability, and ensure access to certified planting materials through collaboration with research institutions and regulatory bodies.
The Chief Trainer from IITA, Dr. Pelemo Olugboyega, said the programme is designed to revitalise yam production in the state and support the emergence of seed entrepreneurs through rapid multiplication technologies and improved varieties.
Other stakeholders, including the Chairman of the Technical Implementation Committee, Dr. Nicolas Obun Dan, and the Deputy Director of Public-Private and Development Partnerships, Mrs. MaryAnn Ogar, urged participants to take full advantage of the training and effectively cascade the knowledge to farmers across their communities.
The training is scheduled to continue in Ikom for the Central Senatorial District and Ogoja for the Northern Senatorial District, ensuring full statewide coverage.
The programme is expected to culminate in the distribution of seed yam packs to participants for multiplication and demonstration, with stakeholders expressing confidence that the initiative will strengthen the yam value chain and position Cross River State as a leading hub for yam production in Nigeria.
