BY OLUWATOYIN ADEGOKE
Tomato producers and processors in the country have been urged to avoid the use of toxic agro – chemicals in the production and preservation of the commodity with a view to protecting the health of consumers.
A Crop Management Expert, Dr Abidemi Modupe gave the advice in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, while addressing participants in a workshop on “Ensuring All – Season Tomato Production In The South East, South South, and South West Regions of the Country.
Dr Modupe who said tomato remained a common component of the daily diet among the people appealed to the tomato farmers to embrace wholesome agricultural practices in the preservation of fresh produce and processing of tomato paste.
The Resource Person also encouraged farmers to cultivate improved varieties of the commodity for better yields and to enable the country to meet the global standards for exportation.
In a message to the training, a Director, Federal Department of Agriculture, Mr Abdullahi Garba represented by an official from the ministry, Mr Isah Mohammed explained that the training was aimed at building the capacity farmers in Ogun state for enhanced production of tomatoes.
Earlier, the Acting Programme Manager of the State Agricultural Development Programme, OGADEP, Mrs Solape Awe had applauded the Federal Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food security for the efforts to keep farmers abreast of latest development in the agricultural sector.
Some farmers who spoke with Radio Nigeria appealed to the federal government to sustain the training programme in the bid to strengthen food production and supply in the country.