25/01/2022
TOWARDS ENSURING THE ADEQUATE APPLICATION OF ORGANIC PESTICIDES IN PEST CONTROL USING NEEM EXTRACT.
The Federal Produce Inspection Service (FPIS) Department/Agency organized a one-day seminar in Bauchi, the Bauchi State Capital on Tuesday, 25th January, 2022, to sensitize key stakeholders in the agro commodities and export sector on the need to adopt neem extract and it's derivatives for the eradication of pests affecting agricultural produce.
The program which took place at Destination Hotel located along Ahmadu Bello Way, Bauchi saw the presence of the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Bauchi State represented by Babaji Maijama'a, Director of Bauchi State Produce Inspection Services, also represented by Abdulkarim Dan Asabe Musa, officials of National Agency for food and drug administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) and other government agencies. Farmers, agro-traders and processors were also participants at the event.
In his welcome address, the Director of the FPIS, Alhaji Gata, Liman who was represented by Mr. Obi Anthony- head of the FPIS commands in Northern Nigeria, welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of using organic pesticides to eliminated pests on all agricultural goods irrespective of the where they are bound. He emphasized the onus lies on the FPIS to ensure compliance at all levels of the agro commodities market. He then implored participants to pay rapt attention to the lecture as it for their benefits.
Also, in line with Obi address, Mr. Bamisiaye Babatunde Stephen from the FPIS administrative headquarters who represented the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) spoke on the policy framework motioned by the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to increase revenues from the export of agricultural produce. He stated further that government is ready to liberalize the sector by ensuring private sector participation in the commercial production of organic pesticides. In his closing remarks, he assured stakeholders that very soon Neem pesticides would become readily available to all farmers, processors and exporter as the strategy targets an improved foreign exchange for the nation.
The resource person, Professor Ebenezer Okonkwo presented an insightful and highly-informative lecture on the theme,'Organic Pest Control in the use of Neem Extract' during the session. He explained the importance of Neem oil, Neem cake and other derivatives of the tree.
At the end, participants followed up the session with questions which were adequately responded to by the professor and some renowned officers of the FPIS.
