Agricultural extension service has been identified as a critical requirement for the development and implementation of agricultural policies in the country.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Abubakar, who disclosed this in Umuahia, Abia State, during the training of the third Batch of the 75,000 Agricultural Agents, said extension service ensures the transfer of knowledge and skills to farmers.

While adding that it also helps to drive agricultural policies and research, without which progress cannot be realised in the agronomic ecosystem, the minister also identifies extension agents as an important part of agriculture.

He said that the Federal Government embarked on the training of the 75,000 extension agents in batches in all the states of the federation to halt the drift in agriculture, adding that it is one of the many strategies of the government to address and actualise food security and job creation in the country.

The host state’s Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) Manager, Chief Israel Amanze urged the 50 Abia trainees to make effective use of what they were taught during the three days training.