By Sani Aliyu, Zaria
A Green Field Day for the Sentinel X Fall Army Worm (FAW) control technology has been conducted at the Malam Isa Idris’ Maize demonstration plot at Bizara village in Zaria Local Government of Kaduna State.
Giving an overview of the FAW control technology, Professor Sani Isiaku of NAERLS/ABU Zaria said, Sentinel X is a new farming support technology that will help detect crop stress and pest problems early.
He said, the new technology is working before damage become serious and assist farmers to spend less on chemicals, cost of spraying and less damage to health and the environment.
Professor Isiaku also informed the farmers that the new technology will protect maize and improve yield at the end of havest.
According to him, this new technology reduces crop damage by FAW, improve plant health and lower dependence on chemicals by farmers.
He further explained that Sentinel X is cheaper than pesticides as it works without adding extra labour.
Prof. Sani Isiaku informed farmers that their normal farming practices will still continue while the technology works in the background to keep FAW in chek.
Speaking on the the operational modalities of the technology, one of the key partners, Professor A.A. Hassan said farmers onboarded should not apply pesticides in case they detect any unusual crop changes due to FAW. The farmer is expected to report to the field officers for quick Sentinel X response.
In her remarks, Ms. Martha Ofem of Sentinel X reminded the farmers of the importance of learning and adoption of new farming approaches, and to get closer to Sentinel X support teams for guidance and advise.
She further explained that this technology will help improve maize farming while their participation will help other farmers learn about the new technology.
According to her, their farms will become a learning site for other farmers, and will be an opportunity for higher yield.
In his remarks, the Director, Federal Department of Agriculture, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, represented by Dr. Jalal Maihula, Maize Desk Officer in the department, advised farmers to always accept proven new technologies brought by our researchers as they are meant to improve their lot.
Maihula appreciates Sentinel X technology for reaching the grassroots farmers which will assist them in improving their productions while spending less during farming.
Also in his goodwill message, Mr. Anthony, Kaduna State Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security encouraged farmers on this new technology by adopting and embracing the technology effectively.
In his remarks, Alhaji Adamu Usman Mohammed, Director Agric Services, Kaduna Agricultural Development Agency (KADA) appealed to government to support farmer groups by bringing down this new technology to the grassroots farmers for them to benefit.
He said, if the government engaged the research institutes from University definitely farmers will benefit immensely.
Other highlights of the occasion include a speech by a farmer, Mall. Isa on whose farm the technology was demonstrated. He expressed his happiness with the results obtained – healthy big cobs, using less fertilizer as a result of the booster applied to it by Sentinel X.
Other dignitaries that graced the occasion include the representative of the Controller, National Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) Dr. O. A. Oluwole, Chairman All Farmers Association of Nigeria and Chairman Maize Association of Nigeria, the Village Head of Bizara, representative of Small Grower Limited, more than 100 farmers among others.
