NGPU
October 5, 2024
Plant Doctors Receive Refresher Training for Continuous Provision of Extension Services
Written by Oprah Nyanuga and Michell Uvya
Nakuru County held a three-day Plant Doctor Refresher Training for Agricultural Officers and Farmer Service Centers, which will help continue providing extension services at the Plant clinics.
The training will help farmers manage their crops when attacked by pests and diseases while also training the farmers on environmentally friendly ways of pest and disease control to increase productivity hence increasing income
The plant clinics enhance surveillance of plant health problems and note the outbreak of new diseases.
Control of plant pests and diseases is key to ensuring food security and nutrition, supporting the food market and sustainable resource management.
The officers were taught how to diagnose plant health problems and provide farmers with safe and effective solutions for managing pests and diseases.
National trainer for the Plantwise Plus Program, Abel Too, highlighted that in instances where the plant doctors advise on the use of chemicals, the plant doctors should guide farmers by focusing on the active ingredients of chemicals rather than just their trade names. This, he explained, helps farmers make informed decisions and use pesticides more responsibly.
The officers were also sensitized about the “Ukulima True” campaign, which promotes the safe and responsible use of chemicals at the farm level.
The campaign aims to reduce the risks posed by the use of excessive synthetic pesticides to ensure food safety by encouraging better farming practices.
Through this training, the plant doctors are now better equipped to assist farmers in diagnosing and managing crop health problems and providing accurate advice on how to deal with diseases and pests to improve food nutrition and security
The refresher training is organized by Nakuru County Government in collaboration with the Centre for Agriculture and Bio-Sciences International (CABI), and the Cereals Growers Association (CGA) through the Farm to Market Alliance (FTMA).
