Farmers in Ondo State have been trained on the use of organic bio-fertilisers as part of efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and cut dependence on imported chemical fertilisers.
The training, organised by the Ondo State Agricultural Empowerment Centre (OSAEC) in collaboration with the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), TETFUND, and Nigeria Health Watch, took place on Wednesday in Akure. It brought together farmers, agricultural experts, and government officials to learn environmentally friendly farming techniques.
Mr Rotimi Akinsola, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness and Chairman of OSAEC, described the initiative as a “game changer” for farmers. He said the bio-fertiliser, developed by FUTA microbiologist Dr Shola Makinde, is natural, locally made, and effective, unlike expensive imported chemical alternatives. Cocoa, maise, and oil palm farmers in Ondo are already participating in trial phases of the project.
Dr Makinde, who led the technical session, explained that the bio-fertiliser, known as Rhizobial Inoculant, is made from degradable organic waste such as rice husks, sugarcane bagasse, and poultry dung mixed with beneficial microorganisms. She said it enhances soil fertility, crop productivity, and environmental sustainability while reducing production costs.
Samples of the fertiliser were distributed to participating farmers for field testing. Attendees praised the initiative, describing it as timely amid rising agricultural input costs.
