FCA Tasks FG On Research

Provost, Federal College of
Agricultural Produce Technology, Kano Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, has urged the
Federal Government to fund the training of more researchers under the
Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA).

Speaking with
newsmen in Abuja recently, Ibrahim who described the college as a key
participant under the ATA, said that the college could not play its role well
due to inadequate manpower.

According to
him, the college desires to train more produce inspectors under the ATA, so
that it will be able to certify the quality of exportable farm produce.

“The college
needs more staff to train researchers because the produce programmes are
expanding.

He said that
the college had the mandate to train researchers in post-harvest and produce
Inspection.

“Adequate
training of Produce Inspectors and Certification Officers will make our produce
take a centre stage in the global market and it is the lack of quality
certification that leads to the rejection of our export produce abroad.’’

The college, he said, is also charged with the task of
training farmers, extension officers and the general public on the reduction of
post-harvest losses.

“If post-harvest losses are reduced, there would be enough
food for consumption.

“Capacity development, manpower training, equipment and
funding are the challenges facing the college,” he said.