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Members of the FCT chapter of the Federation of Agricultural Commodities Association of Nigeria (FACAN) have been told to adopt global best practices that will ensure crops value chain complies with approved quality and standards. The Director-General of the Raw Material Development Council (RMRDC), Professor Hussaini Doko Ibrahim, gave the advice in Abuja at a one-day capacity building workshop organised for them by the Council.

The DG, who noted that absence of agricultural best practices has been a major impediment in production of quality crops that are acceptable by the international communities, urged the farmers to adopt proper agronomic practices and post-harvest handling. ‘’The rejection of commodities from Nigeria is a serious concern and for this to be addressed, relevant ministries, agencies and research institutes that have the mandates in crop production must intervene urgently for the betterment of the country,’’ he noted.

Professor Ibrahim, whose speech was delivered by the Council’s Director of Agriculture and Agro Allied Department, Dr. G.G Awolehin, said the aspiration of the Council was to make Nigeria a major player in the sub-region, which he said would be achieved through the provision of improved seedlings and other inputs. FACAN’s Deputy Executive Director, P.O Bakare, who spoke on behalf of the association, commended the Council for the workshop, saying that the issue of agricultural best practices is germane at the moment considering the way the nation’s commodities are being rejected abroad.

SOURCE:DAILY TRUST