Lawmaker tasks farmers, stakeholders on best practices in produce export

The Chairman, House Committee on Agric Production and Services, Mohammed Tahir Monguno has re-echoed the importance of adhering to best practices in the export of agricultural produce.

Monguno stated this in Ilorin in his keynote address, at the opening ceremony of a 3-day training programme, organised for the North Central geopolitical zone by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; and Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS), in collaboration with House Committee on Agric. Production and Services.

The programme with the theme: Training of Nigeria Farmers: Quarantine Perspective, held at the Intercontinental Harmony Hotel, Ilorin, Kwara State, ended last Friday.

Represented by Dr. Abubakar Amuda Kanike, he reminded participants that agriculture remains one of the basic employers of labour with chains of opportunities for the teeming populace to tap from.

He therefore urged participants to be receptive and focused, so as to be well equipped in meeting the required standard in exportation.

In his opening remarks, the Coordinating Director, Nigeria Agriculture Quarantine Services (NAQS), Dr. Vincent Isegbe acknowledged the fact that some farmers are unable to export their produce due to lack of knowledge of the expected requirements and standards.

Isegbe who was represented by Dr. Sakiru Kazeem pointed out that since all agricultural produce in the country cannot be meant for consumption, the need to export and make more money arises. He explained that farmers need to be well equipped in handling their produce for export so that their consignments will not be rejected.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman and Group Managing Director of Degolex Merchants Limited, Dr. Omoleye Olabode represented by Mr. Lanre Babalola assured participants that quarantine specialists were on ground to teach them the nitty-gritty of exporting their produce, urging them to be attentive and ask probing questions.