Abia State launches training for agricultural coordinators

The Abia State Ministry of Agriculture has launched a four-day capacity-building programme for Ward Agricultural Coordinators and extension personnel. Organized in collaboration with the Agribusiness Incubation Centre at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), the training aims to strengthen grassroots agricultural development.

Participants are being trained in modern agricultural techniques, agribusiness, and pest management. A primary focus of the initiative is to ensure the effective monitoring of the state’s Farmers’ Inputs Support Programme. Ward coordinators are tasked with verifying the distribution and utilization of farm inputs, identifying local challenges, and providing feedback to the ministry to ensure interventions yield tangible benefits for farmers.

University officials noted several critical challenges facing the sector, including declining soil fertility, rising input costs, climate variability, inadequate extension services, limited mechanization, and weak market linkages.