Anambra Farmers Wrap-up 3Wks Training on African Palm Weevil, Golden Apple Snail Farming

By Praise Chinecherem

A three week certificate training on African Palm Weevil and Golden Apple Snail farming has been rounded off in Awka, with a call on the participants to improve productivity of the micro livestock in the state

The training held at Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Ministry of Agriculture was organised by the State Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Designed to introduce and drive sustainable production of African Palm Weevil and Golden Apple Snail farming, it brought together no fewer than 80 trainees who were tutored by an Indian Expert, Bar Madala Chandra Sekhar.

During the presentation of certificates to the participants, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, while highlighting some of the benefits, encouraged the participants to start thinking differently and more creatively about how to start production.

“I challenge you to research the value chain of African Palm Weevil. In Kenya, Ethiopia, in East Africa there is a heavy consumption of this thing. I know that it can be processed, you can oven dry it and incorporate it in baby food which is highly nutritious.

“You realise that most of what you can use to rear this come into the class of waste. So it is a waste to wealth initiative”

He explained that investment in the production of the micro livestock holds immense potential to address food and animal feeds challenges facing the nation.

” So the value chain of these two livestock products is quite expansive and something worth exploring.

“Once you create the raw material base, i can assure you that the off take is something that you cannot meet up with the demand”

The Commissioner, however, assured that he is determined to improve productivity of the farming practices in the state, adding that in the next two weeks Golden Apple Snails would be imported from Thailand.

” We have also bought tarpaulin ponds where the snails will be reared. We will be setting up the practical farm and you will be invited to come and see practically what you have been shown in videos.

“So take it seriously and begin to produce. Go and innovate, try other things. There are several other substrates that these things can consume. So very soon, Anambra will begin to export insect protein for inclusion in food and feeds courtesy of you”

While describing the training as significant and very critical, the Dean Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Prof Cordelia Ebenebe, said there are testimonies already from some of the trained persons on implementation of knowledge gathered.

According to her, partnerships will provide and expand opportunities for value chain actors, build capacity of farmers for viable production practices in the state.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka, noted that with successful completion of the training programme, ” Anambra State is well positioned for another revolution in the food industry”

She appreciated the participants for their resilience, the resource person from India for his commitment and sacrifices, urging the certified persons to swing tnto action immediately.

The Trainer, Bar Madala Chandra Sekhar, stated that the training strategically aligned with efforts to increase production of the micro livestock in the state.

He added that it provided the conductive and favourable setting for best practices needed for sustainable production, thanking the organisers for attracting the programme and their hospitality.

Some of the participants including the President, Rod of Moses Women Foundation, an NGO, Bar Ujunwa Ezeani, applauded the partnership between the organisers of the training and described it as a laudable initiative.

She added that the Foundation for Widows and Less Privileged Women sponsored five trainees, affirming that they seized the opportunity to acquire new ideas and knowledge.

Another participant, Justina Igwe, noted that the training has changed her perception about the micro livestock farming, pointing out that from what she learned, “the way to go in animal protein production is here”

She added that the training has exposed her to the farming practices and its importance to humans and the economy.

Others described it as the first of its kind in the state structured to make it easier for them to learn.