The Sasakawa Africa Association said it had trained 540 farmers, extension agents and community-based farmers in Kano State on Biochar production and utilisation.
This is contained in a statement by its Communication Officer, Moses Nongoatse in Kano on Sunday.
” We have successfully trained 300 farmers,120 extension agents and 120 community based farmers across Gwarzo, Bagwai, Dawakin Kudu,Gaya Danbatta and Kura local government areas.
” Biochar is well-suited for regenerative agriculture, promoted by KSADP through SAA in the state to increase soil carbon content, improve water holding capacity, increase nutrient support soil microbial life, improve soil structure, reduce soil acidity in addition to the benefits,
“Biochar can also be used to remediate contaminated soils, improve manure management, reduce methane emissions from livestock production.
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The training activity contains a theoretical overview of Biochar production, including its benefits, different types, and pyrolysis process.
The beneficiaries also learned how to identify and select suitable feedstock materials for Biochar production and how to operate a pyrolysis reactor.
” We are excited to offer this ongoing training programme to farmers, EAs, and CBFs,” Abdulrasheed Kofarmata, Project Coordinator, Kano State Agropastoral Development Project, KSADP at SAA said.
” Biochar production is a simple and affordable way for farmers to improve their soil health and crop yields while reducing their environmental impact.
” The training exercise was well-received by the participants, who expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn about Biochar production/utilisation and to receive the necessary equipment to get started.
” I am very grateful for the opportunity to have participated in this training programme,” Ahmad Yusuf, a farmer from Gwarzo Local Government Area, said.
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” I have learned much about Biochar production and am excited to use this fertilizer on my farm. I am confident that Biochar will help me to improve my soil health and increase my crop yields.” he said.
Sasakawa Africa Association is an international agricultural non-profit organization supporting sustainable agriculture in Africa.
The organization provides smallholder farmers with training, resources and support services to help them adopt sustainable farming practices.(NAN)