Expert Tasks Farmers Against Tree Felling

A forestry expert, Mr.
Fredrick Nwokocha has called on farmers in the State to minimise the felling of trees during the process of clearing and preparing their land for planting.
Nwokocha who spoke to our correspondent at the weekend decried the practice whereby most rural farmers burn down trees during the farming season.
A former Director of Forestry at the Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture, advocated for the protection of  such trees instead of burning that pose danger to the environment.
According to him, trees serve as agents of moisture preservation to farmers and also help to protect crops like banana and plantain from strong winds.
On the belief by most rural farmers that burning of trees enhances crop yield and adds nutrients to the area, the forestry expert said such belief had no scientific proof.
He however stated that burning has long term effect on the crops, adding that farmers should not be deceived by the temporary looks on the crops.
On measures needed to check indiscriminate logging across the state, he advised that the government should engage more forest guards to complement the dwindling fortunes of the forests.
Highlighting further, he said tree planting campaigns should be sustained especially during the rainy season.
He expressed worry over the low level of tree planting sensitisation at the grassroots level, adding that the importance of tree planting among farmers could not be over emphasised.
According to him, “governments at the local government level through the various supervisors of agriculture and agric extension officers needed to come together in the fight against illegal and indiscriminate tree felling”.
He further explained that the Ministry of Agriculture has the capacity to provide tree seedlings to the various LGAs across the state to enable them win the war against deforestation and aforestation.
“I believe that the Ministry of Agriculture can provide enough seedlings to all the LGAs to enable them replenish the threatened forests across the state”, he said.
He further called on farmers to avail themselves of the services of agric extension officers at the Agricultural Development Projects (ADP) stations across the local government areas.

Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon Emmanuel Chindah (left) chatting with his Perm Sec, Emmanuel Alex Hart (right) during 2013 World Food Day celebration at Isaac Boro park, Port Harcourt. Photo: Prince Obinnah Dele